TVNZ is the new home of free-to-air grassroots rugby and will screen select NPC, Heartland Championship and Farah Palmer Cup matches from next year.
The broadcaster announced today it is New Zealand Rugby’s free-to-air provincial rugby partner in a multi-year agreement that starts with the 2026 season.
Sky TV also announced it has signed a new five-year deal with NZ Rugby covering All Blacks matches through to 2030.
The Sky deal covers the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship Tests as well as new tours between the Springboks and All Blacks. It also includes the 2029 British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand and more Black Ferns matches than previously shown.
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Free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 1
Domestic rugby fans will be able to watch all National Provincial Championship (NPC) games free on TVNZ+, with some weekly games also broadcast on TVNZ 1.
Select Farah Palmer Cup clashes and the Heartland Championship games will also be live and free on TVNZ+.
TVNZ chief executive Jodi O’Donnell said she was “incredibly proud” to be bringing rugby back to the broadcaster after three decades.
“Provincial rugby is woven into our country’s sporting DNA, and securing these competitions for free-to-air audiences reflects our commitment to investing in content that unites communities and drives engagement nationwide,” she said.
TVNZ’s existing sports rights showed there was strong demand for live and free sport in New Zealand.
“This partnership with New Zealand Rugby marks a significant step in expanding our offering and delivering even greater access to audiences across the motu,” O’Donnell said.
Today’s deal includes coverage of the round-robin clashes and knockout playoffs when the provincial season kicks off in July 2026.
TVNZ’s head of sports, events and partnerships Melodie Robinson said the return of free-to-air rugby was a major win for rugby fans.
“Rugby is a game close to my heart,” said Robinson, a former Black Fern who won two World Cups.
“Bringing the domestic game to free-to-air audiences on TVNZ means more fans for the code – wherever they’re based and however they choose to watch – and this will only help to inspire the next generation of supporters and players.
“I’m excited for our viewers to experience the pride, passion and rivalries that make provincial rugby so special.”
New Zealand Rugby chairman David Kirk said: “We are pleased to partner with TVNZ to provide expanded free-to-air coverage of provincial rugby. New Zealanders will have more ways to watch rugby than ever before over the next five years.”
Super Rugby
Sky viewers will continue to have access to Super Rugby Pacific, Super Rugby Aupiki and Super W as well as the NPC, selected matches from the Farah Palmer Cup and the finals of the Heartland Championship.
Sophie Moloney, Sky’s Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have renewed our longstanding partnership with New Zealand Rugby and SANZAAR and to strengthen our partnerships with the Six Nations and the British & Irish Lions, securing an incredible array of rugby for our customers, bringing them well-loved and established competitions and tours, and a number of exciting new formats.”