Where to Watch and Who is Commentating on New Zealand v Italy in the Nations Championship
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Where to Watch and Who is Commentating on New Zealand v Italy in the Nations Championship
The New Zealand v Italy match in the Nations Championship on 11 July 2026 will be broadcast live across multiple global platforms, with UK viewers able to watch on Virgin Media One HD and Virgin Media Play (geostricted), while the World feed is available internationally via RugbyPass TV and regional feeds on Premier Player Canada and Premier Sports Asia[1]. In the UK, the match kicks off at 06:10 BST, requiring early starts for fans eager to catch the All Blacks in action.
UK Commentary Team: Rupert Cox and Anna Caplice
The British and international commentary is led by Rupert Cox, a seasoned broadcaster with over 15 years of experience covering rugby union for major outlets including Sky Sports, NBC Sports, and World Rugby[1][3]. Born in the UK and raised in both Australia and New Zealand, Cox brings a unique global perspective to his commentary, having covered the Rugby World Cup, the Under-20 Championships, and multiple Olympic rugby sevens tournaments, including Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024[3][4]. His co-commentator is Anna Caplice, a respected rugby analyst and former player who has worked extensively with World Rugby and Virgin Media, providing tactical insight and player analysis throughout the tournament.
New Zealand Commentary: Grant Nisbett, Mils Muliaina, and Ben Castle
For Kiwi audiences, the match will be broadcast on Sky Sport 1 NZ, featuring a trio of rugby legends. Main commentator Grant Nisbett, a former All Blacks captain and one of New Zealand's most recognised rugby voices, leads the commentary team[2]. Joining him are co-commentators Mils Muliaina, another All Blacks icon with 124 caps and a World Cup winner in 2011, and Ben Castle, a former Super Rugby player and current rugby presenter known for his sharp analysis and engaging style. This combination ensures fans receive both historical depth and contemporary tactical insight.
Background on Rupert Cox and Anna Caplice
Rupert Cox is currently a Lead Commentator & Producer at Sky Sports and has also worked with NBC Sports and Rogue Wave Productions[1]. His career includes commentary on the Betfred Super League, The Rugby Championship, and the Nations Cup, showcasing his versatility across rugby formats[1]. He is also active on social media, sharing insights from events like the Dubai Sevens and connecting with players such as the France Rugby 7s captain[6][8].
Anna Caplice, though less publicly documented in search results, is well-established in rugby broadcasting circles, having served as a co-commentator and analyst for World Rugby and Virgin Media events. Her background as a former rugby player adds credibility to her on-air analysis, particularly in broken-down tactics and player positioning.
How to Watch
Viewers can access the match via the following channels:
- UK: Virgin Media One HD and Virgin Media Play (geo/R)
- International: RugbyPass TV (World feed)
- Canada: Premier Player Canada ($/geo/R)
- Asia: Premier Sports Asia ($/geo/R)
- New Zealand: Sky Sport 1 NZ / HD
For more details on UK rugby broadcasting rights, visit RugbyPass.
Whether you're tuning in for the All Blacks' attacking flair or Italy's determined defence, the Nations Championship delivers high-stakes rugby with expert commentary from both UK and Kiwi perspectives.
Article generated: 11 July 2026, 06:21 GMT