The partnership between SANZAAR—the governing body that brings together South African, New Zealand, Australian and Argentine rugby—and Sky Sports has been refreshed for a new five‑year period covering 2026 through 2030. This renewal extends a collaboration that has spanned more than thirty years, cementing Sky Sports as the exclusive broadcaster for some of the most high‑profile fixtures in the international rugby calendar.
One of the headline attractions of the new deal is the live coverage of New Zealand's eight‑match tour of South Africa, a series often billed as "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" because of the historic and fiercely contested encounters between the All Blacks and the Springboks. The tour kicks off on Friday, 7 August, and Sky Sports will provide uninterrupted, exclusive access to every game, from the opening non‑Test fixtures against provincial clubs right through to the four full‑blown Test matches that decide the series winner.
The itinerary for the tour is as follows: - **Friday, 7 August – Stormers vs New Zealand** in Cape Town. The All Blacks open their South African campaign with a high‑scoring encounter against the Stormers, who will be looking to give the visitors a tough start.
- **Tuesday, 11 August – Sharks vs New Zealand** in Durban. After the Cape Town opener, the All Blacks travel to the coastal city of Durban to face the Sharks, a side known for its physicality and strong forward play. - **Saturday, 15 August – Bulls vs New Zealand** in Pretoria (6 pm BST). The Bulls, a powerhouse from the heartland of South African rugby, will host the visitors in a match that promises a clash of styles.
- **Saturday, 22 August – South Africa vs New Zealand (First Test)** at Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg (4:10 pm BST). The first official Test of the series takes place in the iconic Ellis Park, a venue steeped in rugby history.
- **Tuesday, 25 August – Lions vs New Zealand** in Johannesburg (6 pm BST). The Lions will provide a further non‑Test challenge for the touring side, testing depth and resilience.
- **Saturday, 29 August – South Africa vs New Zealand (Second Test)** in Cape Town (4:10 pm BST). The second Test moves to the Western Cape, offering a different atmosphere and a chance for the Springboks to even the series.
- **Saturday, 5 September – South Africa vs New Zealand (Third Test)** at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg (4:10 pm BST). The third encounter is scheduled at the massive FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City, which will accommodate a huge crowd for a pivotal match. - **Saturday, 12 September – South Africa vs New Zealand (Fourth Test)** at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA (10 pm BST). In a historic twist, the final Test will be played on American soil, marking a significant step in rugby's global outreach and giving US fans a rare opportunity to witness a classic rivalry live.
Sky Sports has emphasized that viewers should use the Chrome browser for the most reliable video player experience, ensuring smooth streaming of the high‑definition feed. In addition to live broadcasts, the agreement grants Sky Sports the right to distribute highlights, short clips, and on‑demand replays across its digital channels and social media platforms, allowing fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland to catch up on any missed action at their convenience. Beyond this specific tour, the new rights package also includes 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. The arrangement looks ahead to 2030 when Sky Sports will turn the lens onto South Africa's reciprocal tour of New Zealand, completing a full circle of trans‑hemispheric competition.
Brendan Morris, Chief Executive Officer of SANZAAR, commented on the renewal: "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." For fans eager to stay up‑to‑date with match times, scores, and breaking news, Sky Sports encourages the download of its mobile app, the activation of personalized sports notifications, and even following the network on WhatsApp for instant alerts.
These tools are designed to enhance the viewing experience, ensuring that supporters never miss a moment of the drama that unfolds on the field. In summary, the newly inked agreement secures Sky Sports as the exclusive home for one of rugby's most anticipated series—the All Blacks' eight‑match odyssey across South Africa—while also guaranteeing comprehensive coverage of future SANZAAR events. Whether you are a die‑hard follower of the Springboks, a loyal All Blacks supporter, or simply a lover of high‑octane rugby, the upcoming months promise a wealth of top‑tier matches, all available live on Sky Sports with the added convenience of on‑demand content for later viewing.