Rugby World Cup tries out broadband

UK broadband users will be able to listen to - but not see - full live matches of the forthcoming Rugby World Cup in Australia as they are streamed over the internet.

AOL Broadband said Wednesday that it had become the exclusive UK broadband provider for the tournament after signing an agreement with Rugby World Cup 2003 Ltd.

The ISP is promising its broadband customers access to free video previews featuring the teams in previous World Cup clashes, and live audio commentary during each match when the Rugby World Cup kicks off on 10 October.

They will also get four video interviews per match, reruns of classic matches and the top 20 tries from previous Rugby World Cups.

They will not, however, be able to view the matches as live streaming video; full match coverage on video will be made available "within 24 hours".www.rugby2003.com