Sky Sports Secures New SANZAAR Broadcast Deal Through 2030

Sky Sports has strengthened its position as the home of Southern Hemisphere rugby in the United Kingdom and Ireland after agreeing a new five-year broadcast rights deal with SANZAAR. The agreement extends a partnership spanning more than three decades and ensures Sky Sports will continue broadcasting many of the sport's premier international competitions through the end of the 2030 season.

The new agreement covers a wide range of SANZAAR competitions and international fixtures involving New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Argentina. It also includes the highly anticipated Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour, featuring New Zealand's historic eight-match tour of South Africa, including four Test matches against the Springboks.

Long-Term Commitment to Southern Hemisphere Rugby

The deal runs from 2026 to 2030 and reinforces Sky Sports' commitment to rugby union at a time when broadcast rights across the sport have become increasingly fragmented.

Under the agreement, Sky Sports will continue to televise:

• The Rugby Championship (2027–2029)
• Annual Bledisloe Cup matches between New Zealand and Australia
• Selected Springboks, All Blacks, Wallabies and Argentina international Tests
• Major SANZAAR international tours
• The Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour between New Zealand and South Africa

The broadcaster will retain exclusive live rights across the UK and Ireland for many of these fixtures, giving rugby supporters continued access to some of the world's highest-profile international matches.

Historic All Blacks Tour Headlines Coverage

One of the first marquee events under the new agreement will be the All Blacks' first full rugby tour of South Africa since 1996. Marketed as Rugby's Greatest Rivalry, the tour revives the traditional multi-match format featuring provincial encounters alongside Test rugby.

The tour schedule includes:

The fourth Test in Baltimore represents a significant milestone, as World Rugby continues efforts to expand the sport's presence in the United States ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.

Strengthening a Three-Decade Partnership

Sky Sports and SANZAAR have enjoyed a long-standing broadcasting relationship, with the new agreement extending a partnership that has introduced generations of British and Irish viewers to elite Southern Hemisphere rugby.

The deal ensures continued coverage of many of rugby's biggest annual rivalries, including:

• New Zealand vs South Africa
• New Zealand vs Australia (Bledisloe Cup)
• South Africa vs Argentina
• Australia vs Argentina

Industry analysts believe the agreement demonstrates the enduring commercial value of international rugby despite increased competition from streaming platforms and changing viewing habits.

Growing Commercial Value

The renewed rights agreement also reflects SANZAAR's strategy of maximizing the commercial appeal of its premium international properties. The Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour is expected to generate substantial revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, hospitality and global television audiences.

For Sky Sports, the agreement strengthens its rugby portfolio alongside existing domestic and international competitions while providing subscribers with year-round access to elite Southern Hemisphere action.

The renewed partnership ensures that fans across the United Kingdom and Ireland will continue to enjoy comprehensive live coverage of Southern Hemisphere rugby through the end of the decade.

Looking Ahead

Coverage under the new contract begins immediately with New Zealand's tour of South Africa before continuing with future editions of The Rugby Championship and annual SANZAAR international fixtures. Both Sky Sports and SANZAAR believe the long-term agreement provides stability for broadcasters, unions and supporters while helping rugby expand its global audience.

Also Read: Springboks Preparations

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