Sky Promises No More Post-Haka Advertising During Lions Tour

Reaction from rugby fans "forced a u-turn by Sky Television" after it "came under attack" for screening a commercial between the end of the All Blacks' haka and the kickoff of Saturday's first test against the British & Irish Lions, according to the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. Viewers took to Facebook to complain about the inclusion of a "lengthy ad for Sky's chief broadcast sponsor, a car manufacturer." Sky "is now promising" it will not go to ad-break after the haka "during the rest of the Lions tour." A spokesperson said, "While last night's superb match was played live and uninterrupted on Sky Sport, you've told us you didn't like seeing an ad-break after the haka and before the match started. We hear you, and for the remaining matches of the Lions tour you won't see it again"  (NZ HERALD, 6/25).