28 Apr 2012

Rugby World Cup audiences hailed

12:57 pm on 28 April 2012

Rugby World Cup Ltd says last year's event in New Zealand was watched by more young people and women than any previous tournament.

Total viewing hours were 14,595, 60% higher than in 2007.

The final, in which the All Blacks beat France, was the most-watched event in New Zealand television history, attracting a 98% audience share.

Females accounted for 45% of the audience, up from just 25% for Rugby World Cup 1995.

RWC chairman Bernard Lapasset said approximately 60% of World Cup revenues were generated by broadcast income.