New Zealand Rugby Launches NZR+: All Blacks Fans Await Live Streaming and Exciting Rugby Content
In an exciting development for rugby fans, New Zealand Rugby (NZ Rugby) has launched its new fan engagement platform, NZR+. Offering live streaming and a wealth of compelling rugby content, this platform aims to provide an immersive experience for supporters of the All Blacks and other New Zealand rugby teams.
The launch of NZR+ was greeted with anticipation and a touch of apprehension by NZ Rugby heavyweights, including Ian Narev, Chair of NZ Rugby Commercial. However, their worries quickly dissipated as they unveiled an impressive array of offerings that had been carefully curated to captivate fans.
One of the standout features of NZR+ is its collection of interviews and footage from the thrilling 2022 season. Candid sections with Ian Foster, head coach of the All Blacks, and senior players provide fans with an intimate look into the team’s journey. Additionally, the beloved Black Ferns are featured in a dedicated documentary, further showcasing the depth and diversity of New Zealand rugby.
NZR+ is backed by Whisper, a UK-founded media house renowned for their high-quality sports coverage. Under the guidance of experienced media player James Gemmell, who previously hosted Spark’s coverage of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Whisper is poised to deliver top-notch production value.
While NZR+ has already impressed with its initial offerings, there is a recognition that the platform must continuously provide fresh and engaging content to satisfy fans’ insatiable appetite for rugby. Alongside documentaries and archive material, NZ Rugby is eager to gather data on their fan base through interactions with NZR+. This valuable information will help inform future content and ensure it resonates with supporters.
Of course, the ultimate question on the minds of All Blacks fans is whether NZR+ will eventually live stream matches. While NZ Rugby acknowledges that venturing into broadcasting is a significant undertaking, it is not an impossibility. Independent media companies, like Whisper, have proven capable of delivering live broadcasts with state-of-the-art technology. With the expertise of Silver Lake and Craig Fenton, newly appointed NZ Rugby Commercial CEO and formerly of Google, NZR+ could potentially become a broadcasting powerhouse in the future.
The emergence of NZR+ creates an intriguing dynamic with Sky, NZ Rugby’s longstanding broadcast partner. While Sky’s reliability and widespread accessibility were evident during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, NZR+ has now entered the scene as a formidable contender. Spark Sport may have stepped back, but NZR+ has stepped up, raising the stakes for the next broadcast deal beyond 2025.
As All Blacks fans eagerly anticipate the forthcoming Super Rugby Pacific, provincial rugby, and international fixtures, they can take solace in the fact that NZR+ promises an unparalleled fan experience. With its live streaming potential and captivating content, this new platform has the potential to reshape how rugby is consumed and enjoyed, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before.
In summary, NZ Rugby has launched NZR+, a platform that sets out to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience for rugby fans. By offering live streaming, a treasure trove of engaging content, and the potential for future match broadcasts, NZR+ aims to revolutionize how supporters engage with the All Blacks and other New Zealand rugby teams. As the platform evolves, it is poised to become a true game-changer in the world of sports media.
