Sky Sports has finalized a fresh agreement with SANZAAR—the governing body that represents South African, New Zealand, Australian and Argentine rugby—to secure the rights to broadcast international rugby matches from 2026 through 2030. This arrangement extends a partnership that has spanned more than thirty years, reinforcing the long‑standing relationship between the broadcaster and the sport's premier southern‑hemisphere competitions. Under the terms of the new deal, Sky Sports will enjoy exclusive access to what is being billed as the "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" tour, a high‑profile series in which the All Blacks will complete an eight‑match itinerary across South Africa.
The tour kicks off on Friday, 7 August, and will feature a blend of four official Test matches against the Springboks as well as four additional fixtures against provincial club sides. All eight games will be shown live on Sky Sports, giving UK and Irish audiences the chance to follow the action in real time. The schedule is as follows: - **Friday, 7 August – Stormers vs New Zealand** in Cape Town, where the All Blacks secured a 38‑21 victory.
- **Tuesday, 11 August – Sharks vs New Zealand** in Durban, a match that ended in a dominant 54‑0 win for New Zealand. - **Saturday, 15 August – Bulls vs New Zealand** in Pretoria, slated for a 6 p.m. BST kickoff. - **Saturday, 22 August – FIRST TEST: South Africa vs New Zealand** at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, broadcast at 4:10 p.m.
BST. - **Tuesday, 25 August – Lions vs New Zealand** in Johannesburg, scheduled for a 6 p.m.
BST start. - **Saturday, 29 August – SECOND TEST: South Africa vs New Zealand** in Cape Town, also airing at 4:10 p.m. BST. - **Saturday, 5 September – THIRD TEST: South Africa vs New Zealand** at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, with a 4:10 p.m.
BST kickoff. - **Saturday, 12 September – FOURTH TEST: South Africa vs New Zealand** at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, USA, broadcast at 10 p.m. BST. Viewers are advised to use the Chrome browser for the most reliable video player experience, ensuring smooth streaming of the high‑definition coverage.
Beyond the South Africa tour, the agreement also encompasses the Rugby Championship for the years 2027, 2028 and 2029, as well as the Bledisloe Cup and other SANZAAR‑sanctioned internationals slated for 2026 and 2030. In the final year of the contract, 2030, Sky Sports will turn its cameras toward South Africa's own tour of New Zealand, completing a full circle of reciprocal broadcasting rights between the two rugby powerhouses. The partnership goes beyond live match feeds.
Fans residing in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland will have access to a suite of digital assets, including on‑demand clips, highlights, and extended analysis, all available through Sky Sports' online platforms and social media channels. This multi‑platform approach is designed to keep supporters engaged throughout the tournament windows, even when they cannot watch the full matches live.
Brendan Morris, Chief Executive Officer of SANZAAR, commented on the renewal, stating, "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." Sky Sports is also encouraging viewers to personalise their experience by selecting the sports notifications they wish to receive, downloading the Sky Sports app for mobile access, and following the network on WhatsApp for real‑time updates.
These tools aim to make it easier for fans to stay informed about match times, results, and any breaking news related to the tours. In summary, the new broadcasting arrangement guarantees that the eight‑match New Zealand tour of South Africa, beginning on 7 August, will be aired live on Sky Sports. The deal not only secures premier rugby content for the next five years but also reinforces a partnership that has been a cornerstone of the sport's visibility in the UK and Ireland.
Whether you are a die‑hard All Blacks supporter, a Springbok loyalist, or simply a lover of high‑quality rugby, the upcoming schedule promises a thrilling showcase of talent, strategy, and rivalry, all accessible through Sky Sports' comprehensive coverage.