Rugby and league fans without Sky Sports subscriptions will be able to watch live Super Rugby Pacific and NRL games this season on Sky Open, formerly known as Prime TV.
However, while the broadcast on Sky Open will begin at the same time as when games are shown on Sky TV, or Sky Now, commercials will be slotted into the action and the game then recommencing at the same spot, so nothing is missed.
However, because of the advertising breaks, the games will become progressively delayed and finish later than the broadcasts on Sky TV or Sky Now.
It is anticipated that by the end of the game, coverage will be delayed by 12 minutes on Sky Open, with four three-minute ad breaks during the game.
There will be 25 NRL games shown on Friday nights over the season, including seven Warriors games, with the season opener against the Sharks on March 8 being one of them.
Super Rugby games will be shown on Saturday nights throughout the season, starting with the Highlanders hosting Moana Pasifika on February 24.
There will be huge interest in the Warriors this season, to see if they can back up last year’s run to the Preliminary Final. Membership sales are through the roof and CEO Cameron George is keen on as many New Zealanders as possible seeing the team this year.
“We were blown away by the support that we experienced in 2023 from Kiwi fans and can’t wait to build on it in the upcoming 2024 season,” George said.
“It’s awesome to see this initiative from Sky to create free ‘Friday Night Footy’ on Sky Open, offering more Warriors and NRL matches free-to-air, as it will help to engage even more New Zealanders this season.”
Super Rugby Pacific chair Kevin Malloy believed these live start times on Sky Open, would get more people watching games.
“There is a lot for fans to get excited about and ‘Super Saturday’ is a great way to offer DHL Super Rugby Pacific to more New Zealanders, with a free match on offer every Saturday night,” Malloy said.
AD “We’re looking forward to the season kicking off with the first ‘Super Saturday’ match on Sky Open, with the Highlanders versus Moana Pasifika.”
A further 26 NRL games and Super Rugby games will be available on Sky Open with a delayed start.
www.stuff.co.nz