Our network performance during the Rugby World Cup

Learn more

Are you match ready? Connect your TV to fibre

Last year Spark and TVNZ won the rights to broadcast Rugby World Cup 2019 and there’s now a new online streaming service called Spark Sport – this is the only place you’ll be able to watch all 48 matches live.

Spark Sport is an independent online streaming service - like Netflix – and you don’t have to be a Spark broadband customer to use the streaming service. There are a lot of ways you can stream the matches but the key is not leaving it until the last minute.

Here’s what you should do now, to be match fit come tournament time.

1

Get on the very best broadband connection you can at your place. We recommended fibre for the best big screen streaming experience. There are lots of broadband providers selling great value fibre broadband plans.

2

Make sure you’ve got the right devices to watch – check out our list below.

3

Test your set-up in advance to the tournament.

4

Sign up for a tournament pass and download the Spark Sport app.

Why is fibre the best for streaming the matches?

If you can get fibre at your house we believe this is the best technology option for streaming. This is important if you have multiple people streaming at the same time on multiple devices as you’ll want to make sure you have enough speed and capacity come game time. Spark Sport recommended broadband speeds can be found here.

Fibre provides a dedicated and consistently reliable connection, with speed options up to 1Gbps – New Zealand's fastest broadband. To make sure you’ve got enough capacity we recommend a 100Mbps or above plan with unlimited data – streaming gobbles up a lot of data.

Check for fibre

What is sport streaming?

The way we are watching sports is changing! It’s now easier than ever to watch your favourite sports live or on-demand through streaming. Streaming is a technology used to deliver content to your screen over the internet. Streaming transmits audio and video data as a continuous flow, which allows you to begin watching almost immediately. Depending on what sports you’re passionate about, there’s a bunch of pay-as-you-go streaming apps that bring you an array of sport at high-speed and in high definition with many offering a buffet of choices as to how you watch.

A TV connected to a modem streams the big game experience.

How can I stream sports?

Internet connection

To stream sports effectively you will need to be connected to the internet for the full duration of the game. You will need a fast and reliable broadband connection, and a suitable download limit for the amount of data you will use. Check to see if you are on the best available broadband connection.

Learn more

An internet enabled device

To watch streaming content you’ll need an internet enabled device like a casting stick, a streaming box or a smart TV. Your home WiFi set up is also important to consider, as well as the age of your devices and the number of devices you’re using at the same time.

Learn more

Your favourite content

Different streaming apps have the rights to different sports selections, so make sure you do your homework and check that your preferred service has your favourite sports. If you’re new to streaming content, the choices can be a bit overwhelming. Check out the list above for some of the major players.

Tips for watching

How to set up your TV

Our resident tech expert Kurt Rodgers will show you how to set up your TV for the best streaming experience.

  1. Get on the best broadband connection available
  2. Plug your modem directly into your TV
  3. Get an unlimited data plan

What you’ll need

Learn how to connect your streaming device or smart TV to your modem.

Is your address match ready?