BBC to broadcast exclusive radio commentary for Rugby World Cup 2019

Exclusive radio commentary rights to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan have been secured by BBC Radio 5 Live.

Both 5 Live and 5 Live Sports Extra will run commentary of each game during the tournament, which runs 20 September to 2 November and includes England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Sonja McLaughlan and Matt Dawson will lead 5 Live’s coverage and the BBC Sport website and app will have live text and radio commentary too.

The past two tournaments have been won by New Zealand and they beat Australia in the 2015 final at Twickenham.

Head of BBC radio and digital sport Ben Gallop said: “The Rugby World Cup 2019 is a key moment in this year’s sporting calendar.”

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont added: “World Rugby is excited about the appointment of the BBC as the rights-holding radio broadcaster for Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, which promises to be a very special and game-changing celebration of rugby.”

Your home for the 2019 @rugbyworldcup ??

We'll be bringing you exclusive radio commentary throughout the #RWC2019 in Japan ???

Follow live text and commentary on @bbc5live, @BBCSport and @BBCSounds ??

More on #bbcrugby ?? https://t.co/a5CUp7czVR pic.twitter.com/D1qpUtxpY0

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) May 16, 2019