The partnership between the Southern Hemisphere rugby consortium—comprising South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina (collectively known as SANZAAR)—and Sky Sports has been extended through a fresh rights agreement that will run from 2026 to 2030. This renewal builds on a collaboration that has spanned more than thirty years, reinforcing the long‑standing bond between the broadcaster and the premier international rugby competitions of the region.
Under the terms of the new deal, Sky Sports will enjoy exclusive broadcasting privileges for what has been billed as "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry": the highly anticipated eight‑match tour of the New Zealand All Blacks to South Africa. The tour kicks off on Friday, 7 August, and will be carried live across Sky Sports’ television channels and digital platforms for viewers throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. The itinerary features a blend of four official Test matches against the Springboks and four additional fixtures against South African provincial clubs.
All eight games will be shown live, allowing fans to follow the All Blacks as they take on the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls, Lions and the Springboks in a series that promises high‑intensity rugby, historic rivalries, and moments that could shape the future of the sport. **Match schedule and broadcast times (all times listed in British Summer Time):** - **Friday, 7 August – Stormers vs New Zealand** in Cape Town, kickoff at 6:00 pm.
This opening clash will set the tone for the tour, offering the All Blacks an early test of South African conditions. - **Tuesday, 11 August – Sharks vs New Zealand** in Durban, 6:00 pm. The coastal venue provides a different playing surface and climate, adding variety to the tour’s early stages.
- **Saturday, 15 August – Bulls vs New Zealand** in Pretoria, 6:00 pm. The Bulls, a historically strong side, will challenge the visitors in the high‑altitude environment of the Pretoria stadium. - **Saturday, 22 August – FIRST TEST: South Africa vs New Zealand** at Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, 4:10 pm. The first official Test will be a marquee event, with the Springboks looking to reclaim the coveted Bledisloe Cup.
- **Tuesday, 25 August – Lions vs New Zealand** in Johannesburg, 6:00 pm. The Lions will provide a stern provincial test before the second Test match. - **Saturday, 29 August – SECOND TEST: South Africa vs New Zealand** in Cape Town, 4:10 pm. The second Test shifts back to the coastal city, offering a contrasting setting for the teams.
- **Saturday, 5 September – THIRD TEST: South Africa vs New Zealand** at the iconic FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, 4:10 pm. This venue, known for its massive capacity and vibrant atmosphere, promises a spectacular showdown. - **Saturday, 12 September – FOURTH TEST: South Africa vs New Zealand** at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, USA, 10:00 pm.
The tour concludes with a historic overseas Test, marking the first time the All Blacks and Springboks will meet on American soil, expanding rugby’s global footprint. Sky Sports has advised viewers to use the Chrome web browser for the most reliable video player experience, ensuring smooth streaming and access to interactive features such as live stats, multi‑camera angles, and real‑time commentary. Beyond the South Africa tour, the agreement also secures Sky Sports’ rights to broadcast the Rugby Championship in the years 2027, 2028 and 2029, as well as the Bledisloe Cup and other SANZAAR international fixtures in both 2026 and 2030. The 2030 calendar will even feature the reverse tour, with South Africa traveling to New Zealand, completing a full cycle of high‑profile Southern Hemisphere rugby events under Sky’s coverage.
In addition to the live television feed, the deal grants UK and Irish fans the ability to catch up on every match through highlights, clips, and on‑demand content available on Sky’s digital ecosystem, including its website, mobile app, and social media channels. This multi‑platform approach ensures that supporters can stay connected to the action even if they miss the live broadcast. 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." Sky Sports also highlighted the convenience of its mobile app, which allows users to receive personalized sports notifications, download the app for on‑the‑go viewing, and even follow the network’s updates via WhatsApp for instant news and alerts. Overall, the new five‑year agreement cements Sky Sports’ role as the premier destination for Southern Hemisphere rugby in the United Kingdom and Ireland. By delivering every Test, every provincial clash, and a suite of supplementary content, the broadcaster ensures that the excitement of the All Blacks’ eight‑match South African expedition will be accessible to millions of fans, preserving the legacy of one of rugby’s most storied rivalries while also pushing the sport into new markets, such as the United States, for the final Test.