Rugby Australia and Nine inch closer to broadcast deal extension as top Wallabies consider foreign offers

Rugby Australia is close to signing a new broadcast deal, but a downgrade in New Zealand could severely impact their future earnings. It comes as some top Wallabies star consider overseas moves.

Rugby Australia is moving closer to signing a five-year broadcast extension with Nine Entertainment and Stan Sport, although key details could derail the deal at the 11th hour.

Informed sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told this masthead that negotiations have been progressing well since the start of the year and the potential new deal would see an increase on the current $30 million-a-year contract.

Nine had an exclusive negotiation period until December 31, and when that expired without a deal being done, it was feared they would walk.

But in fact, negotiations have only intensified between the parties this past week.

The new broadcast deal would run from 2026-30, taking in the 2027 men’s and 2029 women’s World Cups in Australia, as well as the new Nations Cup to be launched next year that will see a crossover tournament between The Rugby Championship and Six Nations Test countries.

But while there is hope from both parties that an extension will be agreed upon, key players say confidential details within the contract are far from ratified, and so caution remains.

Rugby Australia is moving closer to signing a five-year broadcast extension with Nine Entertainment and Stan Sport. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images

Another key factor in RA’s future financial health is the massive predicted loss of broadcast revenue in New Zealand. Sources say Sky is offering NZ Rugby a multimillion dollar downgrade on their current deal from 2026 onwards.

The Kiwis’ existing deal is worth around $NZ80 million ($72 million) a year, with inside figures suggesting that the new offer could be as low as $NZ50 million a year.

Because Australia and New Zealand are in a joint venture, they share profit and loss. So any uplift in RA’s deal could be offset by the loss across the Tasman, should both remain committed to Super Rugby.

The lingering uncertainty over the broadcast deal, and the future of Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, has led to players exploring options elsewhere.

Backrower Langi Gleeson has already signed for French club Montpellier for 2026, while star centre Len Ikitau is deep in negotiations for a monster deal in Japan.

Langi Gleeson has signed with Montpellier for 2026. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Key backrower Fraser McReight, who is keen to remain in Australia for the World Cup but off-contract at the end of this year, has already fielded $1 million-a-year offers from Europe and Japan and is seriously considering a move offshore.

Such is the desire to have top Wallabies stars available for the home 2027 World Cup, there is consideration for some players to sign overseas, but recommit to a Super Rugby club for 2028 so they can still be picked for Australia for the tournament.

Several other high-profile stars are off contract after this season including Taniela Tupou, Noah Lolesio, Harry Wilson, Tom Wright, Nick Frost, Jake Gordon, Matt Faessler, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Tane Edmed, who have all been sounded out by overseas clubs in recent weeks.

Fraser McReight. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Len Ikitau. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, 95-Test Wallabies star Kurtley Beale has signed an injury replacement contract with Western Force, paving the way for him to return to top-line football in the latter half of the Super Rugby season.

Beale injured his Achilles playing for Randwick last year and has been in rehabilitation since.

The new deal with the Force, who he played for last year, means he could yet line up against the British & Irish Lions for the franchise on June 28.

Beale has relocated from Sydney to Perth with wife Madi and their two children.

“I’m motivated to be back playing rugby for the Force and helping them push towards a finals series,” Beale said.

“On a personal level, I want to return in the best possible shape to have the biggest impact on the team.

“Being in Perth is the perfect environment for me right now, allowing me to focus on my work within a strong high-performance program with great staff who’ll push me to get the best results to return as quickly as possible.

“There’s still work to do and we’ll take it on a week-to-week basis but I’m confident with the support of the medical team, coaches and players I’ll be able to see positive results.”

Originally published as Rugby Australia and Nine inch closer to broadcast deal extension as top Wallabies consider foreign offers