Fans can watch the 2026 Nations Championship through various free and paid broadcasters depending on their region. In the UK, Ireland, and France, matches are available for free via ITVX, Virgin Media Play, and TF1+, respectively. US viewers and those in non-broadcast territories can stream games for free on World Rugby’s RugbyPass TV platform.
How can I watch the Nations Championship 2026 for free?
Free access to the Nations Championship is available in several key rugby markets. In the United Kingdom, ITV holds the exclusive rights to all 42 matches, streaming them via the ITVX service and broadcasting on terrestrial channels. According to the broadcast schedule, games featuring Wales also air with Welsh language commentary on S4C and BBC iPlayer.
Viewers in Ireland can access every fixture for free through Virgin Media Play. Virgin Media One also dedicates its terrestrial broadcast to the tournament during match weekends. In France, TF1 provides free coverage of the entire tournament via the TF1+ streaming service and the TF1 and TMC channels.
Australian fans have limited free access. While Stan Sport holds the primary rights, Channel 9 and the 9Now streaming service broadcast all Wallabies home games at no cost.
Where can I stream the Nations Championship in the US and globally?
In regions where no official broadcaster has acquired the rights, including the United States, World Rugby provides coverage through RugbyPass TV. This service is free to use, though it requires users to register for an account to access the live streams.
What are the broadcast options in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa?
Paid subscription services dominate the Southern Hemisphere markets. In Australia, Stan Sport streams all 42 matches for a monthly fee of $20 added to a standard $12 Stan plan. New Zealand viewers can access the tournament through Sky Sport NZ, with pricing starting at $54.99 per month or $549.99 annually; day passes are available for $29.99.
South African coverage is managed by SuperSport. Fans can watch the Springboks and other international fixtures via DStv or the SuperSport online streaming platform through various subscription packages.
What is the schedule for the upcoming Nations Championship rounds?
The tournament features a dense schedule of international fixtures. Round 2 takes place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, and Round 3 follows on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Round 2: Saturday, July 11, 2026
- New Zealand v Italy: Hnry Stadium, Wellington
- Australia v France: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Japan v Ireland: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Australia
- Fiji v England: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, England
- South Africa v Scotland: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
- Argentina v Wales: Estadio San Juan de Bicentenario, San Juan
Round 3: Saturday, July 18, 2026
- Japan v France: National Olympic Stadium, Tokyo
- New Zealand v Ireland: Eden Park, Auckland
- Australia v Italy: HBF Park, Perth
- Fiji v Scotland: Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Scotland
- South Africa v Wales: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
- Argentina v England: Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades, Santiago del Estero
What were the results from the opening round?
The inaugural round of the Nations Championship on July 4, 2026, saw several narrow victories and dominant performances. New Zealand edged France 34-32 at One New Zealand Stadium, while South Africa secured a commanding 45-21 win over England at Ellis Park.
Other Round 1 results include:
- Japan 27 v 10 Italy
- Australia 31 v 33 Ireland
- Fiji 24 v 39 Wales
- Argentina 38 v 47 Scotland
Broadcaster Summary Table
| Region | Primary Broadcaster | Free Option |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | ITV / ITVX | Yes (ITVX) |
| Ireland | Virgin Media | Yes (Virgin Media Play) |
| France | TF1 / TF1+ | Yes (TF1+) |
| Australia | Stan Sport | Yes (9Now – Home Games Only) |
| USA / Global | RugbyPass TV | Yes (Registration Required) |
| South Africa | SuperSport | No |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ | No |
| Japan | Wowow | No |
The Nations Championship continues through November 29, 2026, as teams compete for the inaugural title. Viewers should check local listings for specific kick-off times in their respective time zones.
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