Under the terms of the agreement, the company will manage the broadcast of live coverage of all 48 matches, while also offering a "comprehensive" television, digital and mobile offering.

New Zealand will the heavy favourite to defend their title they won on home turf in 2011, with South Africa, Australia and hosts England among their toughest challengers.

"Rugby World Cup Limited is delighted to be renewing its successful relationship with Sky Television New Zealand," said World Rugby and Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) chairman Bernard Lapasset. 

"The appointment of a market-leader who shares our passion for rugby and Rugby World Cup is great news for the tournament and fans.

"This extension with a highly-valued broadcast partner underscores our commitment to ensuring fan experience is at the heart of a Rugby World Cup that promises to be the most viewed, most engaged and best-connected tournament to date.

"With less than 250 days to go, Rugby World Cup 2015 is shaping up to be a very special, record-breaking global celebration of rugby that will reach out and inspire new audiences in new nations."

Viewers in New Zealand will be hoping for a repeat of the nation's 2011 World Cup triumph ©Getty Images



In total, it is hoped England 2015 rights-holding broadcasters will deliver over 20,000 hours of action via broadcast and digital platforms, in over 205 territories, as the sport seeks to continue as global growth ahead of rugby sevens' Olympic debut at Rio 2016.

ITV Sport will be the British and worldwide host broadcaster, it has already been announced, for a tournament due to culminate in a final at Twickenham on October 31.

Precise details of Sky's coverage will be offered closer to the scheduled September 18 start date, but every New Zealand match will be shown on Sky's free-to-air Prime channel, in addition to a daily highlights package.

Sky New Zealand Director of Sport Richard Last added "The Rugby World Cup only happens every four years, and it's one of the country's most-followed sports events.

"I'm absolutely delighted that all Sky Sport customers will once again be able to enjoy uninterrupted live coverage of this incredible competition."

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