All Blacks and Black Ferns docuseries' to feature on new NZR+ service

New Zealand Rugby's latest venture has been unveiled; a streaming service called NZR+. The digital platform aims to connect fans with their favourite players and moments through exclusive content and streamlined access to original content.

The media available will include the All Blacks Podcast, NZR's Around the Grounds Podcast and Small Blacks TV in addition to new content which will explore "key moments in the history of our teams in black".

Both the All Blacks and Black Ferns have received their own four-part docuseries which will be the main initial drawcard for the service. Both focussing on the 2022 season, The Black Ferns' Road to Redemption series will reflect on the team's 2022 Rugby World Cup-winning campaign while the All Blacks' series promises fans a chance to "get to follow the team through the eyes of key players and coaches – in their most revealing content series yet."

A trailer for the free subscription service promises exclusive access to all teams in black, including Sevens, Maori All Blacks and U20s. Documentaries, short films, lifestyle, highlights, match replays and daily World Cup updates are also mentioned.

New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson said: “It is an incredibly proud moment for us to be opening up to fans all over the world with authentic, never seen before content of our national teams on NZR+. We know there are millions of All Blacks, Black Ferns and wider New Zealand rugby fans across the world. We have a huge opportunity with the creation of NZR+ to inspire and engage directly with fans in a deeper way through content– enabling them to connect with our game, our players and the amazing stories attached to them.

“NZR+ is the result of a simple concept, to be more fan-centric. With the investment and technology capabilities of Silver Lake, alongside the collaboration across rugby especially within the All Blacks and Black Ferns team environments we have built a product that aims to unify and inspire at a global scale. NZR+ will evolve as fans engage with it, the platform and its content will adapt as we learn more about what works and what doesn’t. But right now, we are excited to share NZR+ with the world.”

All Blacks captain Sam Cane said of NZR+, “I was once that kiwi kid with a dream to become an All Black, I wanted to know everything about the players. NZR+ gives us a platform to give fans a glimpse into what it’s like to be living our dream and hopefully inspire them.”

All Blacks player Richie Mo'unga added, “NZR+ gives fans the opportunity to get to know their favourite players, their favourite teams and understand the All Blacks environment. Giving people an insight into our environment, what our day-to-day looks like, the pressures we have but also the pride and joy representing New Zealand brings us.”

Black Ferns Co-Captain, Ruahei Demant said, “Fans will get to see what it looks like to be a Black Fern, not just on game day but every day. There is a lot of sacrifice in this environment, time away from loved ones to hopefully be able to put the black jersey on, which is an incredible privilege."

"Fans will see how relatable and authentic we are as Black Ferns, and how our environment allows us to be ourselves. So hopefully those watching can see that players that are just like them, no matter who you are – anyone can be a Black Fern.”