The 2026 Six Nations Championship is set to kick off on February 5th, with France defending its title against strong competition from England, Ireland, and Scotland. This year’s tournament promises intense matches over five weeks, concluding on March 14th with a clash between France and England.
For international rugby fans, knowing where and how to watch live is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of broadcasting options by region, along with tips for accessing games if you’re traveling or living abroad.
Regional Broadcasting Details
United States: All 15 matches will be streamed live on Peacock, requiring a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription.
United Kingdom: Fans in the UK have free access to every game on BBC and ITV, including streams on ITVX and BBC iPlayer. Welsh-language coverage is also available on S4C via BBC iPlayer.
Ireland: Games will be broadcast for free on RTÉ and Virgin Media, with streaming options on RTÉ Player and Virgin Media Player.
Australia: Exclusive live coverage is available on Stan Sport, starting at AU$32 per month.
Canada: Premier Sports now holds the rights for live Six Nations coverage in Canada, with subscriptions starting at CA$30.
New Zealand: Sky Sport will broadcast every match live throughout the tournament.
Using a VPN for International Access
If you’re traveling or using a restricted network, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help bypass geo-blocking and enhance your privacy. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, preventing throttling and providing security on public Wi-Fi. However, some streaming services may block VPN use, so it’s essential to check their terms of service beforehand.
Popular VPN options include ExpressVPN, known for its streaming capabilities and security features. Always ensure compliance with local laws and platform policies when using a VPN.
Key Match Schedule
The tournament begins with France hosting Ireland at the Stade de France on February 5th. Other notable matchups include:
- February 7th: Italy vs. Scotland, and England vs. Wales.
- February 14th: Ireland vs. Italy, and Scotland vs. England.
- March 14th: France vs. England, the final match of the tournament.
Full schedules with kickoff times in multiple time zones are available from the official Six Nations website and partner broadcasters.
The 2026 Six Nations promises another thrilling chapter in international rugby. With the right streaming setup, no matter where you are, you can follow every try, tackle, and triumph live.
