Super Rugby Aupiki Final gets the TikTok treatment

A partnership between 2degrees, Sky and TikTok, Sky will shoot the final in vertical format, then stream it live and for free on its TikTok channel - a world-first for any final.

What’s more, the TikTok broadcast will come complete with its own presenters and commentary team. Shiray Kaka, Joe Wheeler and Michaela Blyde will host on TikTok, with Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Jeff McTanish and Kendra Cocksedge on commentary.

Those tuning into the live broadcast on TikTok will have the chance to win signed player shirts and 2d prize packs, all thanks to 2degrees who have been proud sponsors of the NZ Super Rugby Aupiki teams for the past three years.

A bespoke production broadcast designed to capture up close every hit, every try and every tear, viewers will be able to comment and vote as the game plays out, bringing a new level of engagement and fostering a sense of community with Aupiki fans.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, herself a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, Olympic and Commonwealth Games Gold medalist and two-time Sevens Rugby World Cup winner, is excited to be involved.

"Being part of a world-first like this is incredibly special and a huge occasion for women's rugby," says Woodman-Wickliffe.

"I'm really passionate about the visibility of women's rugby and the idea of using technology to increase accessibility by bringing Sky Super Rugby Aupiki direct to mobile phones across NZ feels like a fantastic way to do it".

The momentous occasion will mark the first time any sports final, male or female, has been broadcast on the platform, setting a new standard for sports broadcasting globally.

2degrees CEO Mark Callander says the company has been looking for ways it could help build momentum and interest in women’s sport. Partnering to broadcast the final in an innovative and interesting new way just made perfect sense.

“Saturday’s final promises to be a show-stopper and we can’t wait to connect more Kiwis to the entertainment of some top flight women's rugby,” says Callender.

"New Zealand is leading the way in women’s sport with a lot of momentum built up over the past few years. We now want to continue feeding that momentum and 2degrees couldn’t be prouder to help champion this fight for fair for our female players.”

With more than 81% of Kiwis on social media1, we are living in an era where content and events are more frequently consumed through our mobile devices. The ability to broadcast the game on TikTok will open up the Super Rugby tournament to a whole new generation of fans.

Lauren Quaintance, Chief Media and Data Officer from Sky says, “For this special event, we will have a separate broadcast truck with a bespoke camera crew, production team, presenting and commentary team that will be focused on creating an experience of the match that is specially designed for TikTok.

“By sharing the Sky Super Rugby Aupiki final on TikTok, we are opening up the tournament to a wider demographic of young people, supporting the growth of women’s sport on a new level.”

Total TikTok users grew by 16% in 2023 with each spending an average of 95 minutes daily on the app2 making this the perfect stage for this innovative broadcast.

To make it even easier for its customers to tune in, 2degrees is zero rating the stream between 3:45pm - 6:30pm to cover the broadcast which can be accessed through the dataclock app.

This collaboration between 2degrees, Sky Sport, and TikTok underscores a shared commitment to breaking barriers, championing fair representation in women's sports, and revolutionising the way sport is consumed.

The final broadcast will be available to stream live for free on the Sky Sport TikTok (@skysportnz) and free to air on Sky Open on April 13, as well as being available to watch on Sky Sport. To learn more about the incredibly talented Aupiki players, watch their exclusive stories on the 2degrees TikTok (@2degrees_nz).