Sky Sports has secured a fresh agreement with SANZAAR – the governing body that represents South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina – to broadcast international rugby from 2026 through 2030. This renewal builds on a partnership that has spanned more than thirty years, confirming that the UK and Ireland’s premier sports channel will continue to be the exclusive home for some of the most iconic match‑ups in the game. One of the headline attractions of the new deal is the highly anticipated "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" series, in which the All Blacks will embark on an eight‑match tour of South Africa.
The tour kicks off on Friday, 7 August, and Sky Sports will air every fixture, from the high‑stakes test matches to the supporting games against provincial clubs. Rugby enthusiasts will be able to follow the entire itinerary without missing a single moment, thanks to the channel’s dedicated coverage.
**Full Schedule of the New Zealand Tour** - **Friday, 7 August – Stormers vs New Zealand, Cape Town** – The All Blacks open the tour with a clash against the Stormers, a fixture that promises plenty of fireworks in the Cape Town stadium. - **Tuesday, 11 August – Sharks vs New Zealand, Durban** – The tour moves to Durban for a showdown with the Sharks, offering a chance for the visitors to test their mettle in a coastal arena.
- **Saturday, 15 August – Bulls vs New Zealand, Pretoria (6 pm BST)** – Pretoria’s Bulls will host the All Blacks in a match that doubles as a rehearsal for the upcoming test series. - **Saturday, 22 August – South Africa vs New Zealand (First Test), Ellis Park, Johannesburg (4:10 pm BST)** – The first official test of the tour takes place at the historic Ellis Park, where both sides will vie for early dominance.
- **Tuesday, 25 August – Lions vs New Zealand, Johannesburg (6 pm BST)** – A non‑test encounter against the Lions provides a valuable opportunity for squad rotation and tactical tweaks. - **Saturday, 29 August – South Africa vs New Zealand (Second Test), Cape Town (4:10 pm BST)** – The second test returns to the Western Cape, setting the stage for a potential series shift. - **Saturday, 5 September – South Africa vs New Zealand (Third Test), FNB Stadium, Johannesburg (4:10 pm BST)** – The third test is slated for Johannesburg’s massive FNB Stadium, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric. - **Saturday, 12 September – South Africa vs New Zealand (Fourth Test), M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA (10 pm BST)** – The tour concludes with a historic fourth test on American soil, highlighting rugby’s growing global footprint.
Sky Sports advises viewers to use the Chrome browser for the most reliable streaming experience, ensuring the video player functions smoothly across devices. In addition to live broadcasts, the network will provide a wealth of on‑demand content: highlight reels, match clips, and expert analysis will be available through Sky’s digital platforms and social media channels, allowing fans to catch up at their convenience.
Beyond the New Zealand tour, the agreement covers a broader slate of SANZAAR events. The Rugby Championship for the years 2027, 2028 and 2029 will be shown, alongside the Bledisloe Cup and other international fixtures in 2026 and 2030. Moreover, Sky Sports will broadcast South Africa’s reciprocal tour of New Zealand in 2030, completing a full cycle of southern‑hemisphere rugby exchange.
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 UK and Irish audiences, the deal also includes a suite of interactive features. Viewers can customise sports notifications, download the Sky Sports app for mobile viewing, and even follow the channel’s updates via WhatsApp.
These tools are designed to keep fans engaged before, during, and after each match, delivering a seamless rugby experience. In summary, the eight‑match New Zealand tour of South Africa, beginning on 7 August, will be broadcast live and exclusively on Sky Sports. The comprehensive coverage, combined with supplementary digital content and the broader SANZAAR schedule through 2030, ensures that rugby supporters will have uninterrupted access to the sport’s most compelling moments for years to come.