The average audience for the England vs Fiji opening match of the Rugby World Cup was 7.8 million, making it the most watched sporting event this year.
ITV's ratings peaked at 9.4 million or more than four in 10 of those watching TV were tuned in to rugby.
The average audience for the match, between kick‑off and final whistle, was 8.7 million viewers.
However, the figures are still well below the 14.4m that tuned in to watch England play Italy in football's World Cup last year.
Source: The Guardian
