Quade Cooper joins Sky Sport's All Blacks panel as free-to-air Tests return in 2026

Former Wallaby Quade Cooper has been named in Sky Sport New Zealand’s broadcast team for the 2026 All Blacks season, joining the panel for the opening Test against France in Christchurch on 4 July. Sky’s acquisition of free-to-air channel Three and its streaming platform Three Now means all four of New Zealand’s home Tests will also air on free-to-air television for the first time in years, though on a delayed basis.

Cooper, 38, earned 80 caps for Australia and is currently coaching Division 2 club Hanazono Kintetsu Liners in Japan, having retired from playing last year. Sky Sport says he will draw on both his playing career and his coaching experience to offer analysis on new All Blacks head coach, with his appointment described as a surprise given the long-standing rivalry between Australian and New Zealand rugby.

Cooper’s inclusion is not without historical colour. He is 15 years removed from the incident in which he struck former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw with his knee — a moment that defined much of the public narrative around him for years. Cooper later apologised to McCaw in person.

Ex-All Black Lima Sopoaga has also been brought on board to lead an expanded social video coverage plan. Established analysts Justin Marshall, Jeff Wilson and Mils Muliaina return as full-time contributors, while commentary duties will be shared by Jeff McTainsh, Grant Nisbett and Tony Johnson. Laura McGoldrick and Kirstie Stanway will present host coverage, with Stephen Donald, Ben Castle, Joey Wheeler and Angus Ta’avao providing additional punditry.

“We’ve assembled one of the strongest All Blacks broadcast teams in the country, and with the addition of Quade Cooper and an expanded focus on social coverage, we’re excited to bring fans closer to the All Blacks than ever before,” said Gary Burchett, Sky’s head of sport content.

The 2026 campaign will also feature the newly launched Nations Championship, which brings together the world’s leading Test nations in a structured competition format. “The introduction of the Nations Championship brings the world’s best teams together and adds a new edge to every Test match,” Burchett added. “Bringing the All Blacks to Three is about giving our most iconic team the biggest possible stage.”