Sky Sports has secured a fresh agreement with SANZAAR – the governing body that oversees South African, New Zealand, Australian and Argentine rugby – to broadcast international rugby fixtures from 2026 through 2030. This renewal builds on a partnership that has spanned more than thirty years, reinforcing Sky Sports’ position as the premier destination for top‑level Southern Hemisphere rugby in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Under the new deal, Sky Sports will enjoy exclusive rights to what many fans refer to as "Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry": the 2026 New Zealand tour of South Africa. The All Blacks will embark on an eight‑match journey across the South African landscape, beginning on Friday, 7 August.
All four official Test matches against the Springboks, as well as the four additional games against provincial clubs, will be shown live and uninterrupted on Sky’s flagship channels. The itinerary is packed with high‑octane encounters: - **Friday, 7 August – Stormers vs New Zealand** in Cape Town, where the All Blacks opened the tour with a 38‑21 victory.
- **Tuesday, 11 August – Sharks vs New Zealand** in Durban, a one‑sided affair that ended 54‑0 in favour of New Zealand. - **Saturday, 15 August – Bulls vs New Zealand** in Pretoria, scheduled 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, slated 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, 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.
For the best viewing experience, Sky Sports recommends using the Chrome browser, which provides a more accessible video player and smoother streaming performance. Beyond the 2026 tour, the agreement also guarantees that Sky Sports will broadcast the Rugby Championship in the years 2027, 2028 and 2029, as well as the Bledisloe Cup and other SANZAAR international fixtures scheduled for 2026 and 2030.
In 2030, the rights extend to the reverse tour – South Africa travelling to New Zealand – ensuring that British and Irish audiences will continue to have front‑row seats to the most compelling matches on the global rugby calendar. In addition to live coverage, Sky Sports will make a wealth of on‑demand content available through its digital ecosystem. Fans can catch highlights, extended clips, and post‑match analysis across Sky’s website, mobile apps, and social media channels. This multi‑platform approach means that even if you miss a match live, you can still relive the crucial moments, the spectacular tries, and the tactical masterstrokes that define each encounter.
Brendan Morris, Chief Executive of the SANZAAR Commercial and Events division, 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." Sky Sports is also encouraging viewers to personalize their experience by selecting the sports notifications they wish to receive, downloading the dedicated Sky Sports app, and even following the network on WhatsApp for real‑time updates and exclusive content. In summary, the All Blacks’ eight‑match tour of South Africa kicks off on 7 August and will be streamed live on Sky Sports, offering British and Irish fans unparalleled access to one of rugby’s most storied rivalries.
With exclusive rights to every Test, comprehensive coverage of the provincial fixtures, and a robust digital platform for highlights and analysis, Sky Sports ensures that the excitement of Southern Hemisphere rugby remains at the fingertips of its audience throughout the 2026‑2030 cycle.