Sky Sports goes large for the British & Irish Lions Tour with AR graphics, UHD and a pop up channel
Sky Sports is set to unveil AR graphics rendered in UHD on a dedicated pop up channel for the British & Irish Lions Tour
Sky Sports has announced a new look for coverage of the British & Irish Lions Tour, which begins in Argentina on 20 June. Sky Sports is set to unveil augmented reality (AR) graphics rendered in UHD on a dedicated pop up channel, as well as a great line up of commentators and pundits.
Fans will see Sky’s bold new look, developed in collaboration with a First Nations artist, blending indigenous art with advanced visual effects to create a truly cinematic experience that brings the spirit of the tour to life.
Real time AR graphics will allow pundits to break down key player stats and match insights live on air, offering deep dives into player analysis and selection dynamics.
Every Test will be broadcast in 4K UHD, ensuring fans at home enjoy the sharpest, most immersive viewing experience available.
To make it even easier for fans to follow the tour, Sky Sports Action will rebrand to ‘Sky Sports The Lions’ for each Test weekend. This dedicated pop-up channel will become the ultimate destination for fans, featuring live matches, iconic documentaries, and exclusive content. Every match will be live on Sky Sports or available to stream on your device instantly via Now.
Sky Sports expert analyst, Dan Biggar, said: “A Lions tour is the pinnacle of any player’s career, so to now be part of it with Sky Sports is incredibly exciting. Being on the ground, feeling the atmosphere, and sharing that passion with fans, combined with Sky’s top-tier analysis, lets us bring the game to life in a way that’s insightful, but still accessible for everyone watching at home.”
Jonathan Licht, managing director, Sky Sports, added: “The British & Irish Lions is one of the marquee events of the sporting calendar, and for this tour we’re raising the bar with an exceptional on-screen team. From legendary Lions to recently retired greats, we’ve assembled a line up of world-class talent who will bring fans closer to the action, sharing unique insights, expert analysis, and unforgettable moments. We can’t wait for the action to begin.”
Sky Sports has also revealed its on-screen line up for the British & Irish Lions Men’s Tour to Australia 2025, featuring a world-class team of former internationals and Lions legends.
Recently retired fly-half Dan Biggar brings fresh insight from the field, providing commentary alongside the unmistakable voice of the Lions, Miles Harrison. Joining the coverage in-studio and pitch side will be a stellar team including Ronan O’Gara, Will Greenwood, Kyle Sinckler, John Barclay, Conor Murray, Owen Farrell, Nolli Waterman, and iconic coaching masterminds, Warren Gatland and Sir Ian McGeechan.
Analysis will be anchored from Sky’s state-of-the-art studio, familiar to viewers of Monday Night Football, led by Sam Warburton, a two-time British & Irish Lions captain and the winning skipper from the 2013 tour to Australia.
Alex Payne returns to front the coverage, while Eleanor Roper will serve as roving reporter, delivering exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content as the Sea of Red descends on Australia following the Covid-impacted tour of South Africa. The studio experience will be a powerful fusion of innovation and culture.
Sky’s coverage of the tour kicks off with a historic first, the Lions’ inaugural match in Ireland against Argentina on 20 June, and runs until 2 August, when the Lions face the Wallabies in the third and final Test match in Sydney. With unprecedented access, expert commentary, and immersive storytelling, Sky Sports is the ultimate destination for British and Irish Lions fans this summer. Watch on Sky Sports or stream with Now.
Find out more
Sky Sports director of creative output Ben Wickham discussed the mixed reality studio setup for British & Irish Lions tour coverage during SVG Europe’s Sports Graphics Forum in London on 29 May. You can watch a recording below.