URC kicks off new season on Sky Sport and NOW in Italy

Italian rugby fans can look forward to an unmissable new season of the United Rugby Championship with every Zebre Parma and Benetton Rugby game live on Sky Sport and streaming on NOW in Italy.

Sky will showcase Italy’s two clubs week in, week out, alongside some of the league’s biggest festive clashes and the high-stakes play-offs as 16 teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa and Wales battle for the 2025/26 title.

The action begins Saturday, September 27 with a double-header:

• Zebre Parma v Edinburgh, live on Sky Sport Max at 4.05pm (ITA)

• Connacht v Benetton Rugby, live on Sky Sport Mix at 8.45pm (ITA)

Sky’s commentary team – featuring Francesco Pierantozzi, Paolo Malpezzi and Moreno Molla – will be joined by Italian rugby greats Andrea De Rossi, Federico Fusetti and Pippo Frati to bring fans closer to the action.

Coverage will also extend across Sky Sport 24, skysport.it, Sky Sport Insider and Sky’s social channels, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the drama, insight and stories from one of rugby’s most competitive leagues.

Martin Anayi, CEO, United Rugby Championship, said: “Sky Italia’s support for rugby and the BKT URC is a great boost for fans in Italy. Ensuring that Benetton Rugby and Zebre Parma have a premium home in the marketplace is key to driving interest and support for both teams. Benetton have established themselves as a play-off contender year after year and we are very excited to see how Zebre Parma can build off their encouraging performances last season.”

Andrea Duodo, President of the FIR, said: “There is great satisfaction as the partnership between Sky Sport and the BKT United Rugby Championship, the tournament featuring our franchises, Benetton Rugby and Zebre Parma, moves forward.

“Italian rugby is experiencing a phase of growth and consolidation, and the opportunity to continue providing top-level television coverage for such a strategic asset as our franchises is a key part of this journey. Benetton and Zebre, competing every week against some of the best teams from Europe and South Africa, represent a central showcase for our rugby - both from a technical-sporting perspective and as a product.

“Thanks to Sky Sport, our fans will be able to experience, week after week, top-level matches with high-quality production - essential for continuing to develop passion for this great tournament and for bringing new generations closer to our sport.”