ITV1 and ITV4 have applied for Ofcom consent to broadcast live coverage of the Rugby World Cup in 2007.
The Rugby World Cup Final is a Group A Listed Event. The matters which Ofcom must take into account in deciding whether to grant consent include whether both of the categories of broadcasters specified in the Broadcasting Act 1996 - those providing services which are free to air with national coverage (BBC1, BBC2, ITV1 and Channel 4) and those providing all other television services - had an opportunity to acquire the rights.
All other matches in the Rugby World Cup Finals Tournament are a Group B Listed Event. The matters which Ofcom must take into account in deciding whether to grant consent include whether broadcasters providing services in the other category from the service or services providing live coverage had an opportunity to acquire rights to broadcast highlights or deferred coverage.
The rules which apply are set out in the Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events (revised January 2002).