. Record New Zealand television audience watch New Zealand defeat Australia
. Biggest Australian television audience since RWC 2003
. 73 per cent audience share in France as Les Bleus book Final place
. Highest audience of RWC 2011 in UK sees France beat Wales
Rugby World Cup Limited is delighted with television audience figures as Rugby's showcase event reaches its finale this weekend.
In New Zealand a record 1.97 million cumulative television audience tuned in to the host nation's 20-6 semi-final victory over Australia via TV One, SKY, TV3 and Maori Television, not including the significant number who would have watched the compelling action in public venues across the country or online on demand.
Australians also tuned into the match in record numbers. A massive nationwide television audience of 3.23 million people watched the match - smashing the all-time Pay TV viewership record for Fox Sports and topping the free-to-air ratings on Channel Nine.
No Rugby match since the Rugby World Cup Final in 2003 has delivered an audience of the same magnitude in Australia. The tournament decider in Sydney eight years ago was watched by more than 4 million Australians. Channel Nine's free-to-air broadcast attracted 2.5 million viewers.
It was a similar picture in France where TF1 attracted an audience of 9.5 million for the semi-final between France and Wales despite the 10:00 kick-off time. The average audience for the match, which saw France secure their first place in a Final since 1999 was equal to a viewing share of 73 per cent.
In the United Kingdom, ITV registered its highest audience of RWC 2011 with an average of 5.9 million viewers watching France's 9-8 victory over Wales. The last 15 minutes of the match netted a peak audience of 6.6 million - a 58 per cent share.
Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "Rugby World Cup 2011 has been an exceptional event on and off the field and what we are seeing with the strong viewing figures is a reflection of the highly competitive and compelling matches and the tournament's position as a truly major international event."
"The audience figures in New Zealand highlight the massive level of interest in what is the biggest event ever to be hosted in the country. Rugby World Cup 2011 has captured the hearts and minds of a nation who have been exceptionally welcoming hosts. The scene is now set for a thrilling climax to the tournament."
For more information, contact: dominic.rumbles@rugbyworldcup.com
As a service to our readers, Around the Rings will provide verbatim texts of selected press releases issued by Olympic-related organizations, federations, businesses and sponsors.
These press releases appear as sent to Around the Rings and are not edited for spelling, grammar or punctuation.
Your complete source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only
Últimas Noticias
Sinner-Alcaraz, the duel that came to succeed the three phenomenons
Table tennis: Brazil’s Bruna Costa Alexandre will be Olympic and Paralympic in Paris 2024
Rugby 7s: the best player of 2023 would only play the medal match in Paris
Rhonex Kipruto, owner of the world record for the 10000 meters on the road, was suspended for six years
Katie Ledecky spoke about doping Chinese swimmers: “It’s difficult to go to Paris knowing that we’re going to compete with some of these athletes”
