The BBC has secured exclusive UK audio rights to women’s rugby union world cup in New Zealand with coverage on Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds.
There will be live commentary starting on Saturday 8th October on all of England, Wales and Scotland’s matches, led by Sara Orchard along with Chris Jones and Nick Webb.
England world cup winners Kat Merchant and Katy Daley-McLean plus 5 Live regulars Ugo Monye and Philippa Tuttiett will also contribute to the coverage.
Sara and Kat will be live in New Zealand for the climax of the tournament to see whether England can win their second world cup in the last three.
As well as live commentary, there will be extensive coverage of the tournament on the BBC Sport website plus extra programmes on 5 Live and the Rugby Union Weekly podcast going Daily.
Coverage begins with a preview show this Thursday (5 October) on 5 Live and special edition of Rugby Union Weekly podcast featuring New Zealand star Ruby Tui.
Heidi Dawson, Controller of Radio 5 Live, says: “The women’s Rugby World Cup will be a fantastic event to bring to our listeners over the next month. Following the huge success of our coverage of the women’s Euros and a big summer of cricket this is yet another chance for us to bring the very best of women’s sport to as big an audience as possible.
“It’s the first of no less than four World Cups 5 Live and BBC Sport will be bringing to audiences before the end of 2022 – with the Rugby League World Cup, men’s T20 World Cup in cricket and FIFA men’s World Cup to follow in the weeks ahead.”
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand will be a very special celebration of the best of women’s sport and women in rugby and we are delighted that BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds will be telling the story of rugby’s great family reunion through their world class coverage and superb broadcast team.
“These are exciting times for the acceleration of the women’s game with a world record attendance of almost 40,000 at the opening match day at Eden Park, huge global engagement and what promises to be a compelling tournament.”