
Sky New Zealand has acquired the RugbyPass online rugby network for USD 40 million. The Rugby Pass app live streams rugby content across Asia, Australia, and Europe. The Rugby Pass app platform also offers original video content, news, analysis, stats, and a rugby player and team rankings system dubbed the ‘RugbyPass Index’.
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The purchase price of USD 40 million comprises USD 10 million in cash and issuance of new Sky shares of USD 20 million at completion. The remaining USD 10 million is payable in cash during an agreed earn-out period. Following the completion of the acquisition, the Rugby Pass app will operate as a subsidiary of Sky.
Note that a RugbyPass app subscription is required to view the content. All games remain in the archive until the following season so you can catch a full replay or extended highlights whenever you want, as many times as you wish.
An annual subscription is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase. A monthly subscription is valid for one month from the date of purchase. A weekly subscription is valid for one week from the date of purchase.
Payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of your subscription by going to the Account Settings after purchase.
The Rugy Pass App Features

With the Rugby Pass app, you can watch the world’s greatest rugby live or on-demand in HD and get the latest news, analysis, best highlights, live stats, shows & documentaries plus much more, all on RugbyPass.
Rugby Pass app coverage in Asia which comes under Zone 1 and 2 includes every game from The Rugby Championship, Six Nations, June & November Internationals, Super Rugby, Heineken Champions Cup, Gallagher Premiership, Pro14, Premiership Cup, Mitre10 Cup, and Currie Cup, plus the Challenge Cup from the knockout stages onward and 24/7 access to all of our shows and documentaries from the RugbyPassTV catalog throughout Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Zone 3 coverage includes every game from The Rugby Championship, Gallagher Premiership, Super Rugby, Mitre10 Cup, and Currie Cup live and on-demand plus 24/7 access to all of the shows and documentaries from the RPTV catalog.
Zone 3 subscriptions are available throughout the following countries: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia, & Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine.
Rugby Pass app subscriptions in Australia that is Zone 4 include every game from the Pro14 and Heineken Champions Cup plus the Challenge Cup from the quarter-finals onward, all live and on-demand plus 24/7 access to all of the shows and documentaries from the RPTV catalog.
In Zone 5 subscriptions cover the rest of the world and include 24/7 access to the RPTV catalog of shows & documentaries but match streaming is not available in Zone 5.
In Zone 6 subscribers get access to every match from The Rugby Championship, Super Rugby, Mitre 10 Cup, Currie Cup, and RugbyPassTV throughout Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Noway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden.
Click here to download the RugbyPass app for your iPhone from iTunes store
Click here to download the RugbyPass app for your Android from Google play
The Rugby Pass App Subscription Costs in New Zealand Are as Follows:

- Monthly Pass: $32.99
- Weekly Pass: $13.49
- Monthly Pass for Zone 5: $1.69
- Monthly Pass for Zone 6: $16.49
- Rugby Pass: $21.99
- Weekly Pass for Zone 1: $22.49
- Monthly Pass for Zone 1: $51.99
- Annual Pass: $269.99
The New Zealand operator will now bring RugbyPass under the Sky umbrella. RugbyPass reports that its media channels currently reach over 40 million people per month.
Launched in 2016, RugbyPass broadcasts live in 63 countries. It produces more than 2,300 content items per month, distributed across 29 owned and operated individual media channels. RugbyPass is the rights-holder for Sanzaar in 62 countries across Asia and Europe. RugbyPass is based in Dublin, with offices in Singapore and New Zealand.
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Sky recently launched its new Sky Sports Now app, designed for New Zealand sports fans who want to access all 12 of the Sky Sports channels online. Via the RugbyPass acquisition, Sky plans to extend its reach beyond New Zealand borders.
Conclusion:
Sky New Zealand’s acquisition of the RugbyPass online rugby network for USD 40 million marks a significant move in expanding its sports streaming portfolio.
The Rugby Pass app, known for live-streaming rugby content across Asia, Australia, and Europe, brings an extensive array of features, including original video content, news, analysis, and a unique ranking system.
With this acquisition, Sky aims to strengthen its presence in the sports streaming market, offering a diverse range of rugby content.
The subscription-based model provides viewers with options based on regions, ensuring a tailored experience. As RugbyPass joins the Sky family, the collaboration is poised to enhance the global accessibility of rugby content, reaching millions of fans and establishing a broader sports streaming footprint.
This strategic investment reflects Sky’s commitment to delivering premium sports content beyond New Zealand and underscores the growing importance of online sports streaming platforms in the evolving media landscape.
FAQs
What does the acquisition by Sky New Zealand entail?
Sky New Zealand has acquired RugbyPass for USD 40 million. The purchase includes a combination of cash, issuance of new Sky shares, and a cash payment during an agreed earn-out period. RugbyPass will operate as a subsidiary of Sky following the completion of the acquisition.
What features does the RugbyPass app offer?
The RugbyPass app allows users to watch live or on-demand rugby in HD. It provides the latest news, analysis, highlights, live stats, shows, documentaries, and more. The app covers a wide range of rugby tournaments and events.
In which regions does RugbyPass provide coverage?
RugbyPass coverage extends across various zones, including Asia, Australia, Europe, and specific countries. Each zone has its subscription options and covers different rugby tournaments, making it suitable for a global audience.
How can I subscribe to the RugbyPass app in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, RugbyPass app subscription costs vary based on the plan:
Monthly Pass: $32.99
Weekly Pass: $13.49
Monthly Pass for Zone 5: $1.69
Monthly Pass for Zone 6: $16.49
Rugby Pass: $21.99
Weekly Pass for Zone 1: $22.49
Monthly Pass for Zone 1: $51.99
Annual Pass: $269.99
What content is included in the RugbyPass app subscription?
The RugbyPass app subscription provides access to live and on-demand rugby content, including games from various championships, shows, documentaries, and the RugbyPassTV catalog. Games remain in the archive for full replay.
How long is a subscription valid, and how does auto-renewal work?
An annual subscription is valid for one year, a monthly subscription for one month, and a weekly subscription for one week from the date of purchase. Auto-renewal occurs unless turned off at least 24 hours before the subscription ends.
What is the RugbyPass Index?
The RugbyPass Index is a player and team rankings system featured on the RugbyPass app. It provides a comprehensive analysis of player and team performance.
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