Seven’s exclusive broadcast rights to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup is with IMG Media, a division of IMG Worldwide. The network will broadcast all RLWC2013 matches live on 7mate as part of an all-encompassing agreement covering broadcast and subscription television rights, IPTV, interconnected TV, catch-up TV, HbbTV, pay per view, video on demand and digital rights, including online and mobile.

IMG Media will oversee the production with matches being produced by the BBC and Premier Sport as host broadcasters as well as by IMG Media, with overlay from Seven Sport under the direction of Seven’s Head of Sport, Saul Shtein.

Tim Worner, CEO of Seven West Media, said: “Seven is delighted to have secured this agreement that will see us as the home of rugby league and the Rugby League World Cup 2013 across October and November. Live events define our business and we are delighted that rugby league will be on Seven’s broadcast platform. We are investing in and building our three channels and 7mate is key to our development, in particular its increasing presence in live sports television and extending its leadership in key male demographics.”