Sky Sports has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for a landmark international rugby series, extending its long‑standing partnership with SANZAAR (the governing body that represents South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina) through the 2026‑2030 cycle. This renewed agreement guarantees that UK and Irish viewers will be able to watch every facet of what is being billed as "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" – the All Blacks' eight‑match tour of South Africa that kicks off on Friday, 7 August.
The deal covers all four official Test matches between the Springboks and the All Blacks, as well as the four additional fixtures against provincial clubs. Sky Sports will broadcast each game live, offering fans a front‑row seat to the drama, skill and intensity that define these two powerhouse nations. The schedule is as follows: - **Friday, 7 August – Stormers vs New Zealand** in Cape Town (final score 21‑38 to the visitors). - **Tuesday, 11 August – Sharks vs New Zealand** in Durban, a one‑sided affair that ended 0‑54.
- **Saturday, 15 August – Bulls vs New Zealand** in Pretoria, slated for 18:00 BST. - **Saturday, 22 August – First Test: South Africa vs New Zealand** at Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, kicking off at 16:10 BST. - **Tuesday, 25 August – Lions vs New Zealand** in Johannesburg, scheduled for 18:00 BST.
- **Saturday, 29 August – Second Test: South Africa vs New Zealand** in Cape Town, also at 16:10 BST. - **Saturday, 5 September – Third Test: South Africa vs New Zealand** at the iconic FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, again beginning at 16:10 BST. - **Saturday, 12 September – Fourth Test: South Africa vs New Zealand** at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, USA, with a later start time of 22:00 BST to accommodate American viewers. All of these matches will be streamed via Sky Sports' online platform, and the broadcaster advises users to access the service through the Chrome browser for the most reliable video player experience.
In addition to live coverage, Sky Sports will make highlights, clips and on‑demand replays available across its digital channels and social media, ensuring that fans can relive key moments or catch up on any action they miss. Beyond this tour, the agreement also secures Sky Sports' rights to the Rugby Championship for the 2027, 2028 and 2029 seasons, as well as the Bledisloe Cup and other SANZAAR internationals in 2026 and 2030. Notably, the 2030 calendar will feature South Africa's tour of New Zealand, bringing the rivalry full circle.
Brendan Morris, Chief Executive of SANZAAR, expressed enthusiasm about the renewed partnership: "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 viewers who want to stay up‑to‑date with scores, news and exclusive content, Sky Sports encourages the download of its mobile app, the activation of personalized sports notifications, and even following the channel on WhatsApp for real‑time alerts.
In summary, the All Blacks' eight‑match expedition to South Africa offers a packed itinerary of high‑stakes encounters, from provincial clashes to the climactic Test series that will decide which nation holds the upper hand in this historic rivalry. With Sky Sports providing comprehensive live coverage, in‑depth analysis and on‑demand highlights, rugby enthusiasts across the United Kingdom and Ireland have every reason to tune in, set their reminders, and enjoy what promises to be a memorable chapter in international rugby history.