Behind the Fern returns for 2026

All Blacks

1 hour agoBy: Alan Brown

Fans invited inside the moments that shape the All Blacks with the return of Behind the Fern

Flagship series returns

Seventeen matches. Four continents. One team. Fans will once again go behind the scenes of the All Blacks’ season with the return of Behind the Fern.

Following a successful first season with more than 22 million views amassed across platforms, Behind the Fern returns in 2026 to give fans a unique view of the people, experiences and defining moments that shape the All Blacks journey.

The All Blacks’ flagship long-form documentary series goes beyond the matchday result, capturing the environment, culture and personalities behind the team through a season defined by change, challenge and opportunity, from the introduction of a new coaching group to the inaugural Nations Championship, a historic South African tour, and beyond.

For the first time, Behind the Fern will have a presenting partner, with the 2026 season becoming Behind the Fern brought to you by Toyota, marking a new chapter for the series as it continues to grow its global audience and connect fans with the All Blacks story in new ways.

New Zealand Rugby General Manager Marketing and Brand Kerry McKenzie said Behind the Fern reflects the changing way fans want to engage with their teams and sporting heroes.

Fans

want

to

feel

connected

to

the

teams

they

support,

and

Behind

the

Fern

gives

them

the

opportunity

to

experience

the

stories,

personalities

and

moments

that

sit

behind

the

jersey

“The power of this series is in the people, the players, coaches and wider team environment, and the authentic moments that happen throughout a season that fans don’t always get to see. We’re proud of how audiences have embraced Behind the Fern and are excited to continue evolving the series in 2026.”

Watch Episode 1

Toyota NZ Assistant Vice President – Marketing, Sustainability and Technology Susanne Hardy said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to storytelling and creating meaningful connections with fans.

"At Toyota, we believe rugby has the power to inspire and bring communities together. Behind the Fern gives fans a genuine look at what it takes to become an elite athlete, showing young New Zealanders that with hard work, resilience and the right support, their dreams are achievable.

“By sharing these authentic stories, we're helping build stronger connections between players and fans while showcasing the people behind the jersey. It also creates opportunities for those stories to come to life through our grassroots initiatives, such as Skills and Drills, where young players can meet their heroes and be inspired to chase their own ambitions.

“We're incredibly proud to support Behind the Fern as part of our 'Together for Rugby’ partnership, helping bring the game closer to communities and creating meaningful rugby experiences for fans across New Zealand."

2026 will be a season like no other

Across 13 episodes, Behind the Fern will follow the All Blacks through their most ambitious season yet - 17 matches across four continents, including the inaugural Nations Championship, a historic tour of South Africa, and the team’s journey beyond.

Episodes will be released weekly on Thursday evenings (NZT) creating a consistent viewing experience for fans throughout the season. The 13-episode series will also include bonus short-form episodes during selected off-weeks, maintaining engagement during the five-week break following Episode 9.

Behind the Fern brought to you by Toyota will be available simultaneously on allblacks.com, the All Blacks and Black Ferns app, and YouTube, giving fans around the world multiple ways to experience the series.

What to expect in episode 1

Episode 1 of Behind the Fern brought to you by Toyota launches on Thursday 2 July at 7.30pm and starts with Head Coach Dave Rennie in Japan, the 2026 squad announcement, including: