Starting in 2026, rugby fans in New Zealand will be able to watch provincial rugby free on TVNZ.
The broadcaster has signed a multi-year deal with New Zealand Rugby to show the National Provincial Championship (NPC), the Farah Palmer Cup, and the Heartland Championship. Matches will be streamed on TVNZ+ and some will also be shown live on TVNZ 1.
This marks rugby’s return to TVNZ after 30 years. TVNZ chief executive Jodi O’Donnell said she was proud to bring the sport back, explaining that provincial rugby is part of New Zealand’s sporting DNA. The deal means fans can enjoy round-robin and playoff games starting July 2026.
Melodie Robinson, TVNZ’s head of sports and a former Black Fern, called it a “major win” for rugby supporters. She said showing the games free-to-air will inspire future players and unite communities around the country.
Meanwhile, Sky TV will keep its rights to major competitions such as Super Rugby Pacific, Super Rugby Aupiki, and international matches. Sky has signed a new five-year deal with New Zealand Rugby that runs until 2030.
This deal includes All Blacks games in the Rugby Championship, the Bledisloe Cup, future tours against South Africa, and the 2029 British and Irish Lions tour. Sky will also show more Black Ferns matches than in the past.
