AUCKLAND, Today: Sky Sport is gearing up for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, marking 30 years since the competition kicked off in 1996 and three decades of Sky bringing every big moment to fans across Aotearoa.
The 2026 season also celebrates Sky’s long-running role as Super Rugby’s broadcast home, having covered every era, champion and defining chapter since day one.
Every Super Rugby Pacific 2026 match will be shown live, with the season launching on 13 February as the Highlanders host the Crusaders.
Leading the commentary this season are Jeff McTainsh, Rikki Swannell, Grant Nisbett, Andrew Mulligan and Tony Johnson, alongside former stars Mils Muliaina, Justin Marshall, Stephen Donald and James Parsons.
Sideline updates will come from Jeff Wilson, Ben Castle, Joey Wheeler and Taylah Johnson, keeping fans close to the action.
The presenter line-up remains strong with Kirstie Stanway, Laura McGoldrick, Kimberlee Ritchie, Joey Wheeler and Taylor Curtis, joined this season by Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Colin Slade, Christian Cullen and Lima Sopoaga.
Gary Burchett, Sky Sport’s Head of Content, said the milestone season is a chance to reflect on Super Rugby’s legacy and its future.
“Our 2026 coverage is about celebrating that legacy while continuing to invest in world-class production and coverage that reflects how fans want to watch rugby today.”
“Super Rugby has been part of the fabric of Sky Sport since day one. For three decades, we’ve had the privilege of telling its stories — the brilliance, the heartbreak, the triumphs — and delivering them into the homes, hearts, and screens of fans across Aotearoa.”
“Our 2026 coverage is about celebrating that legacy while continuing to invest in world-class production and coverage that reflects how fans want to watch rugby today.”
Live matches will be surrounded by a 35-minute pre-match show, extended to an hour for key fixtures, plus half-time analysis and post-match coverage packed with panels, interviews and fan polling.
Sky will also ramp up its digital and social-first Super Rugby output, with a dedicated video team delivering highlights, quick reactions and custom content.
The Breakdown returns in 2026, premiering Sunday 8 February, with Jeff Wilson, Mils Muliaina and Justin Marshall joining Kirstie Stanway every Sunday at 7:30pm on Sky Sport 1.
Crowd Goes Wild and Rugby Nation will continue to keep fans across the week up to speed on Sky’s platforms.
Each Friday night, a 7pm Super Rugby Pacific match will screen free-to-air on Sky Open, now also available via the ThreeNow app, opening the game to even more viewers.
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