Sky has confirmed its coverage plans for Rugby League World Cup 2026, with Sky Sport and Three set to provide extensive coverage of the tournament from 15 October to 15 November 2026.
Across a landmark World Cup, Sky will combine live match coverage, local analysis and expert commentary on Sky Sport, Sky Sport Now, Three and ThreeNow. The tournament will open with rugby league’s biggest rivalry, as New Zealand face Australia on 15 October. The Kiwis will then meet Cook Islands in Christchurch on 25 October before taking on Fiji on 31 October.
The Kiwi Ferns begin their World Cup campaign against Fiji on 18 October, before pool matches against France in Christchurch on 25 October and Papua New Guinea on 31 October.
The Wheel Kiwis open their campaign against Australia on 31 October, before meeting France on 3 November and Scotland on 6 November. All games are at Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre.
Every match in the competition will be broadcast live on Sky Sport. New Zealand audiences will get dedicated build-up, halftime analysis and post-match reaction for every Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns pool match, Samoa v Tonga, as well as both women’s and men’s semi-finals and finals, regardless of how the teams progress.
In total, Sky will deliver studio coverage for 11 Rugby League World Cup matches. Sky’s Executive Producer Rugby League, Blair Dainty, says: “Rugby league has a passionate and growing audience in Aotearoa, and Rugby League World Cup 2026 is a huge moment for fans of the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns.
“When New Zealand teams are on the world stage, especially in a sport with the passion and edge of rugby league, you have a responsibility to meet the moment properly.
“For us that means more than showing the games; it means bringing the right insight and storytelling around coverage, so fans feel connected to the Kiwis, the Kiwi Ferns and the moments that matter.”
Hosting duties will be shared by Laura McGoldrick and Kirstie Stanway, who will be joined by some of the country’s biggest names in rugby league, including Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Blake Ayshford, Monty Betham and Honey Hireme-Smiler.
Match commentary will be provided by Seven Network and will feature some of the most well-known voices in rugby league, including Andrew Voss, Anthony Maroon, Andrew Moore and Drury Forbes.
Sky’s lead Warriors commentator Beaven Dewar will also be part of the international commentary team, calling both New Zealand matches from the Gold Coast on 31 October.
For the double-header held in Christchurch on 25 October, Sky delivered a full local production with commentary from Ken Laban and Beaven Dewar, bringing local voices to one of the tournament’s key New Zealand moments. Shaun Johnson will also join Sky’s coverage for the Christchurch double-header.
Another addition to Sky’s coverage, Te Reo Māori commentary will be available for every Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns match on Sky Sport Select, making the World Cup more accessible for viewers across Aotearoa.
Every Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns match, plus both World Cup finals, will be available free-to-air on Three and/or ThreeNow. The free-to-air schedule will include key New Zealand matches and selected feature games across the men’s and women’s tournaments, giving all fans the opportunity to follow the World Cup’s biggest moments.
Visit https://www.sky.co.nz
