The partnership between SANZAAR—the governing body that oversees South African, New Zealand, Australian and Argentine rugby—and Sky Sports has been renewed for another five-year stretch, covering the period from 2026 through 2030. This extension builds on a collaboration that has lasted more than thirty years, reinforcing Sky Sports' role as the premier broadcaster of international rugby in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Under the new agreement, Sky Sports will hold exclusive broadcasting rights to what is being billed as "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry," a high‑profile tour in which the All Blacks will travel to South Africa for an eight‑match series. The tour kicks off on Friday, 7 August, and will run through mid‑September, featuring a blend of four official Test matches and four additional games against provincial clubs.
The schedule is as follows: - **Friday, 7 August – Stormers vs New Zealand** in Cape Town, broadcast at 6 p.m. BST. - **Tuesday, 11 August – Sharks vs New Zealand** in Durban, broadcast at 6 p.m. BST.
- **Saturday, 15 August – Bulls vs New Zealand** in Pretoria, broadcast at 6 p.m. BST.
- **Saturday, 22 August – South Africa vs New Zealand (First Test)** at Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, broadcast at 4:10 p.m. BST. - **Tuesday, 25 August – Lions vs New Zealand** in Johannesburg, broadcast at 6 p.m. BST.
- **Saturday, 29 August – South Africa vs New Zealand (Second Test)** in Cape Town, broadcast at 4:10 p.m. BST. - **Saturday, 5 September – South Africa vs New Zealand (Third Test)** at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, broadcast at 4:10 p.m.
BST. - **Saturday, 12 September – South Africa vs New Zealand (Fourth Test)** at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, United States, broadcast at 10 p.m. BST.
All four Test matches will be shown live, alongside the four non‑Test fixtures against the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions. Sky Sports advises viewers to use the Chrome browser for the most reliable video player experience, ensuring smooth streaming and easy access to on‑screen controls. Beyond this specific tour, the 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 in 2026 and 2030. In the final year of the agreement, 2030, Sky Sports will also broadcast South Africa's reciprocal tour of New Zealand, completing a full circle of Southern Hemisphere rugby exchange.
Fans will not be limited to live matches alone. Sky Sports will make highlights, clips and extended coverage available across its digital ecosystem, including the Sky Sports website, mobile app, and social media channels. This means that even if a viewer misses a live broadcast, they can still catch up on key moments, player interviews, and post‑match analysis at their convenience. 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." Sky Sports is also encouraging viewers to personalise their experience. Users can select the specific sports notifications they wish to receive, download the dedicated Sky Sports app for mobile viewing, and even follow the channel on WhatsApp for real‑time updates and exclusive content. The eight‑match tour offers a compelling narrative for rugby enthusiasts. The All Blacks, renowned for their fast‑paced, skill‑driven style, will face the Springboks, whose physicality and tactical acumen have made South Africa a perennial powerhouse.
The blend of provincial club matches and the four high‑stakes Tests provides a comprehensive look at the depth of talent in both nations, while also giving emerging players a platform to showcase their abilities on an international stage. The final Test, staged at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium, marks a notable expansion of the sport into the United States, reflecting rugby's growing global footprint. This match will be broadcast at 10 p.m.
BST, offering a late‑night viewing slot for European audiences and an opportunity for American fans to witness top‑tier Southern Hemisphere rugby live. In summary, the renewed SANZAAR‑Sky Sports agreement secures a robust slate of rugby content for the next half‑decade, with the 2026‑2027 New Zealand tour of South Africa serving as a flagship event.
By leveraging exclusive live rights, on‑demand highlights, and a suite of digital tools, Sky Sports ensures that rugby supporters across the UK and Ireland can stay fully engaged with every tackle, try, and strategic play throughout the tour and beyond.