Sky New Zealand has agreed on a wide-ranging deal with World Rugby that combines exclusive rights to premium competitions, including Rugby World Cups, for seven years with the sale of Sky’s RugbyPass streaming platform.
The two parties have agreed a joint approach to the production of exclusive programming, particularly in the women’s game.
Sky NZ will hold the rights to every men’s and every women’s Rugby World Cup, the new WXV (international women’s fifteens competition) and the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
“Sky’s goal is to connect New Zealanders with the sport and entertainment they love, in ways that work for them. This agreement secures exclusive access to all of World Rugby’s premium competitions for many years, and we are thrilled to be able to offer them to all New Zealanders on the Sky Box, our streaming services and free-to-air,” said Sky Chief Executive Sophie Moloney.
The rights package includes the Rugby World Cup 2023, scheduled to be held in France next year, the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in England, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029, scheduled to be held in Australia in 2029.
