AUCKLAND - All 48 matches of Rugby World Cup 2011 will be available live on television to  fans in Antarctica, Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) has announced. 

The remote Scott Base has a winter population of 13 New Zealanders, an Australian and an Irishman and they will benefit from RWC being broadcast into the Antarctic for the first time. 

A live encrypted feed will be made available free of charge by Rugby World Cup 2011 Rights Holder TVNZ to ensure that every pass, tackle and try is available to view. 

“We are delighted that Rugby World Cup 2011 is going to reach Rugby fans in Antarctica and that they will be able to join the global Rugby community in enjoying the Rugby World Cup experience,” said RWCL Chairman Bernard Lapasset. 

Mike Mahon, Antarctica NZ, IT Administrator, added: “The crew here, and our friends from the nearby US McMurdo Station, are definitely looking forward to cheering on the teams at what promises to be a superb Rugby World Cup.” 

RWC 2011 will be broadcast in more than 200 territories worldwide, more than any previous Rugby World Cup tournament.