Sky Sports has finalized a fresh agreement with SANZAAR, the governing body that represents South African, New Zealand, Australian and Argentine rugby, to retain exclusive international rugby broadcasting rights for the period 2026‑2030. This arrangement builds on a partnership that has spanned more than thirty years, reinforcing the long‑standing relationship between the broadcaster and the Southern Hemisphere rugby consortium. Under the terms of the new deal, Sky Sports will be the sole television home for what is being billed as "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" – the highly anticipated eight‑match tour of South Africa by the All Blacks.
The tour kicks off on Friday, 7 August, and will be shown live across the UK and Ireland, offering fans uninterrupted access to every fixture, from the high‑stakes test matches to the preparatory games against provincial clubs. The schedule is packed with action. The opening encounter sees the Stormers host New Zealand in Cape Town, where the All Blacks triumphed 38‑21.
Four days later, the Sharks travel to Durban and are handed a heavy 54‑0 drubbing by the visitors. The tour then moves inland to Pretoria for a clash with the Bulls on 15 August, broadcast at 6 p.m. BST. The first official test match arrives on 22 August at Johannesburg’s historic Ellis Park Stadium, where South Africa will face New Zealand at 4:10 p.m.
BST. After a brief interlude, the Lions take on the All Blacks in Johannesburg on 25 August, followed by the second test in Cape Town on 29 August, again slated for a 4:10 p.m.
BST kickoff. The third test is scheduled for 5 September at Johannesburg’s iconic FNB Stadium, and the series will conclude with a fourth and decisive test on 12 September at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, United States, kicking off at 10 p.m.
BST. This trans‑Atlantic finale underscores the global reach of the rivalry and offers American audiences a rare opportunity to witness top‑level Southern Hemisphere rugby live. In addition to the eight‑match tour, the agreement guarantees that Sky Sports will also carry the Rugby Championship for the 2027, 2028 and 2029 seasons, alongside the Bledisloe Cup and other SANZAAR internationals in both 2026 and 2030. The 2030 calendar will feature the reciprocal South African tour of New Zealand, completing the full cycle of bilateral exchanges between the two nations.
Fans will not be limited to live broadcasts. Sky Sports will make clips, highlights and on‑demand replays available through its digital platforms, including the Sky Sports app, website and social media channels.
The broadcaster advises viewers to use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience, ensuring smooth streaming and optimal picture quality. Brendan Morris, Chief Executive Officer of SANZAAR, expressed enthusiasm about the renewed partnership, 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." The deal also includes a suite of fan‑engagement tools. Subscribers can customize sports notifications, download the Sky Sports app for mobile viewing, and even follow the network’s updates via WhatsApp, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.
Overall, the new contract solidifies Sky Sports' position as the premier destination for Southern Hemisphere rugby in the UK and Ireland for the next half‑decade. By delivering live coverage of the All Blacks' eight‑match South African tour, along with future Rugby Championship contests and other marquee events, the broadcaster promises to keep rugby enthusiasts thoroughly entertained and well‑informed throughout the 2026‑2030 cycle.