The global rugby community is set for an electrifying season as South African, New Zealand, Australian, and Argentina Rugby (SANZAAR) has finalized a landmark five-year broadcasting agreement with Sky Sports, extending their partnership through 2030. This groundbreaking deal guarantees fans in the UK and Ireland unparalleled access to some of the sport’s most thrilling fixtures, including New Zealand’s eight-match tour of South Africa, which begins this Friday, August 7, 2026.
A Legacy of Collaboration: Over Three Decades of Rugby Excellence
This agreement marks the continuation of a long-standing partnership between SANZAAR and Sky Sports, which has spanned more than 25 years. The new deal ensures that fans will continue to witness world-class rugby action, including Super Rugby Pacific, The Rugby Championship, the Bledisloe Cup, and additional tour matches—all broadcast live on Sky Sports.
New Zealand’s tour of South Africa promises to deliver some of the most intense rugby encounters of the year.
New Zealand vs. South Africa: The Ultimate Showdown
The centerpiece of this season’s schedule is New Zealand’s highly anticipated eight-match tour of South Africa, starting on August 7, 2026. Sky Sports will provide exclusive live coverage of all four Test matches between the two rugby powerhouses, as well as the four non-Test fixtures against South African club sides. These matches are expected to be high-octane battles, showcasing the best of both nations’ talent and tactical brilliance.
The Rugby Championship and Beyond: A Season of Unmatched Competition
Beyond the tour, Sky Sports will also broadcast The Rugby Championship for the years 2027, 2028, and 2029, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the high-stakes competition between the Southern Hemisphere’s top teams. Additionally, the Bledisloe Cup, the storied rivalry between Australia and New Zealand, will remain a staple of the schedule in 2026 and 2030.
Sky Sports will deliver comprehensive coverage of The Rugby Championship, including live action and post-match analysis.
In 2030, the deal extends to South Africa’s tour of New Zealand, offering fans another chance to witness the All Blacks and Springboks clash in a series that promises to be as dramatic as any in recent memory.
Enhanced Fan Engagement: Live, On-Demand, and Social Media Highlights
The agreement goes beyond traditional broadcasting, ensuring that fans can engage with rugby content in multiple ways. Sky Sports will provide live streaming, highlights, and exclusive clips across its digital platforms and social media channels, allowing viewers to catch up on the action at their convenience.
Fans can enjoy live matches, highlights, and in-depth analysis through Sky Sports’ digital and social media platforms.
A Statement from SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris
In a statement, SANZAAR Chief Executive Officer Brendan Morris expressed his excitement about the continued partnership with Sky Sports:
“SANZAAR is delighted to retain Sky Sports as a rights holder broadcaster in the UK for the next iteration of our international rugby tournaments. We have partnered with Sky Sports for over 25 years, and rugby fans in the UK will continue to enjoy world-class action from Super Rugby Pacific, The Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup, and additional tour matches, including this year’s series between South Africa and New Zealand.”
How to Watch: New Zealand’s Tour of South Africa Live
For rugby enthusiasts eager to witness the All Blacks in action, Sky Sports will be the exclusive live broadcaster for New Zealand’s tour. The series begins on Friday, August 7, 2026, and fans can tune in to Sky Sports’ dedicated rugby channels for real-time coverage.
Sky Sports will provide comprehensive live coverage of New Zealand’s tour, ensuring fans miss no moment of the action.
From Test matches to club fixtures, Sky Sports will deliver the full spectrum of rugby excitement during New Zealand’s South Africa tour.
