The Rugby World Cup 2023 was one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year, drawing fans from around the globe to witness the thrilling matches, including the impressive performances by New Zealand’s All Blacks. If you’re wondering where you can watch the Rugby World Cup 2023 in New Zealand or from abroad, this guide provides all the necessary details to ensure you don’t miss any action. Whether you prefer live broadcasts, streaming services, or catching up on highlights, there are multiple options available to suit your viewing preferences.
Official Broadcasters in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the official broadcaster for the Rugby World Cup 2023 was Sky Sport. Sky Sport has long been the go-to platform for rugby fans in NZ, offering extensive coverage of all matches, including pre-game analyses, live commentary, and post-match reviews. Subscribers could watch every game live, with additional features such as multi-angle replays and expert insights. For those without a traditional Sky TV subscription, Sky Sport Now provided a flexible streaming alternative, allowing fans to purchase monthly passes or individual event access.
Streaming Services Offering Rugby World Cup 2023
For cord-cutters and those who prefer online streaming, several platforms offered live coverage of the tournament. Spark Sport previously held rights to major rugby events in New Zealand but did not secure the Rugby World Cup 2023. Instead, Sky Sport’s digital platforms remained the primary source. However, international viewers had other options.
If you were outside New Zealand during the tournament, services like ITVX (UK), Stan Sport (Australia), and Peacock (USA) provided live streams and on-demand replays. Many of these platforms required a subscription, but some, like ITV in the UK, offered free-to-air coverage for select matches. Using a VPN could help NZ-based fans access these international streams if they preferred alternative commentary or additional viewing options.
Free-to-Air Options
While Sky Sport was the primary broadcaster, some matches were available on free-to-air channels. In New Zealand, Prime TV, which is affiliated with Sky, occasionally aired key games, including select pool matches and knockout stages. This allowed casual viewers to enjoy the tournament without a subscription. However, for complete coverage, accessing Sky Sport or its streaming service was essential.
Watching in Pubs & Public Venues
For those who enjoy the communal atmosphere of watching rugby with fellow fans, many pubs and sports bars across New Zealand screened the Rugby World Cup 2023 matches. Major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch had numerous venues offering live broadcasts, often with big screens and special event promotions. Popular chains like The Fox, The Loaded Hog, and The Britomart Country Club were known for hosting rugby screenings, creating an electrifying environment similar to being in the stadium.
On-Demand & Highlights
If you missed a live match, several platforms provided full replays and highlights. World Rugby’s official website and YouTube channel uploaded extended highlights, try compilations, and key moments shortly after each game. Sky Sport subscribers could also access match replays via their on-demand service. Additionally, apps like ESPN (for US viewers) and RugbyPass offered condensed match summaries and expert analyses for fans who wanted to catch up quickly.
Social Media & Alternative Platforms
Social media played a significant role in keeping fans engaged during the Rugby World Cup 2023. Platforms like Twitter (X), Facebook, and Instagram were flooded with real-time updates, behind-the-scenes content, and fan reactions. World Rugby’s official accounts provided live score updates, video clips, and interactive polls, making it easy for fans to stay connected even if they couldn’t watch the games live.
Travel Considerations for NZ Fans
For Kiwi fans traveling abroad during the tournament, accessing matches required some planning. As mentioned earlier, using a VPN allowed fans to connect to Sky Sport NZ or other regional broadcasters from overseas. Alternatively, they could rely on local sports networks in their destination country. For example, SuperSport (South Africa), TF1 (France), and RTE (Ireland) all had broadcasting rights, ensuring that no matter where All Blacks supporters were, they could follow their team’s journey.
Conclusion
The Rugby World Cup 2023 was a spectacular event, and New Zealand fans had multiple ways to watch every scrum, try, and tackle. Whether through Sky Sport’s comprehensive coverage, streaming services, free-to-air broadcasts, or lively pub screenings, there was no shortage of options. For those who missed the live action, on-demand replays and highlights ensured they could relive the excitement. With rugby being a cornerstone of NZ culture, the accessibility of the tournament’s broadcasts played a crucial role in uniting fans across the nation and beyond.
As the rugby world looks ahead to future tournaments, staying informed about broadcasting rights and streaming options will remain essential for fans who want to catch every moment of the action. Whether you’re cheering from home, a local pub, or halfway across the world, the passion for rugby ensures that the sport will always find a way to bring people together.
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