Where to Watch New Zealand vs Italy: Nick Heath and Nolli Waterman Lead ITV Commentary for Nations Championship Opener

Match date: 11 July 2026

Where to Watch New Zealand vs Italy: Nick Heath and Nolli Waterman Lead ITV Commentary for Nations Championship Opener

Fans across the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand can tune in to ITV 1, ITV HD and ITV X this Saturday for the inaugural Nations Championship showdown between New Zealand and Italy, with legendary commentator Nick Heath and co-commentator Nolli Waterman fronting the broadcast from Wellington's Hnry Stadium[1][3]. The match kicks off at 06:10 UK time (11 July 2026), marking the first of six back-to-back Nations Championship games on ITV's historic free-to-air rugby weekend[1][10].

As the exclusive free-to-air home of the Nations Championship for the UK through 2028, ITV and STV ensure millions of viewers can access elite international rugby without subscription barriers[1][5]. Scottish viewers can also watch via STV Player and STV Scotland HD, with geo-restrictions applying outside the UK and Ireland[1]. All matches will be streamable live on ITV X, allowing fans to follow the action on mobile devices or while on the move[1].

The Commentary Team: Careers and Credibility

Nick Heath, the main commentator for this fixture, is a veteran of rugby broadcasting with decades of experience covering major tournaments including the Rugby World Cup and Six Nations. His clear, authoritative voice and deep tactical knowledge have made him a trusted presence for British and Irish rugby fans for years[1]. Heath has previously commentated on high-profile fixtures for ITV and is known for his ability to balance narrative flair with precise match analysis.

Joining him is Nolli Waterman, a former New Zealand rugby player who transitioned into broadcasting with a reputation for sharp insight and engaging co-commentary. Waterman played at the provincial level in New Zealand before moving into media, where she has become a regular fixture on ITV's rugby coverage, including Six Nations and the summer series[1][5]. Her background as a player adds unique authenticity to her analysis, particularly when dissecting Italy's tactical approach against the All Blacks.

The commentary booth also benefits from the wider ITV rugby team, which includes sideline reporters Topsy and Gabriel Clarke, alongside regular pundits such as Ben Kay, Shane Williams and Flatman, who provide expert breakdowns during and after matches[5].

Match Context and Tournament Significance

This fixture is part of the newly launched Nations Championship, a summer tournament featuring 12 of the world's top international teams across 42 matches over seven weekends[3]. The competition aims to elevate summer rugby's global profile by pairing traditional powerhouses like New Zealand, South Africa and England with emerging nations such as Japan, Fiji and Italy[3].

New Zealand, led by their historic All Blacks identity, face Italy in a contest that tests the Azzurri's resilience against one of the world's most dominant sides. The match takes place at Hnry Stadium in Wellington, a venue known for its atmospheric crowds and challenging conditions for visiting teams[1].

For Italian fans, the match is a rare opportunity to see their national team compete on a major summer stage outside the Six Nations, while New Zealand supporters will be eager to see their side begin their Nations Championship campaign with a commanding performance[1].

International Viewing Options

While ITV and STV cover the UK and Ireland, international audiences have alternative routes to watch. In New Zealand, the match is broadcast on Sky Sport NZ, while Australian fans can stream via Stan Sport. South African viewers will find coverage on SuperSport, and in the USA, Peacock carries all Nations Championship matches[2].

For UK viewers wanting to stay updated on the full schedule, the official ITV rugby page provides fixtures, live links and post-match analysis for all 42 matches across the tournament[7]. You can also explore more about the Nations Championship format and participating teams via Radio Times' comprehensive guide.

Whether you're a die-hard All Blacks supporter or an Italian patriot hoping for a breakthrough performance, Saturday's 06:10 kick-off on ITV 1 delivers world-class rugby with a commentary team that blends experience, player insight and broadcast excellence.

Article generated: 11 July 2026, 06:21 GMT