- Where to watch Six Nations 2026
- How to watch Six Nations Rugby for free with a VPN
- Why you need a VPN for watching Six Nations Rugby
- The best VPNs for watching Six Nations
- How I chose the best VPN for streaming Six Nations Rugby
-
Six Nations Super Saturday schedule
- How to watch Six Nations in France
- How to watch Six Nations Rugby in Ireland
- How to watch Six Nations in the US
- How to watch Six Nations in South Africa
- How to watch Six Nations live stream in Spain
- How to watch the Six Nations Championship in New Zealand
- How to watch the Six Nations Championship in the Netherlands
- How to stream Six Nations Rugby in Australia
- Final tips: how to stream Six Nations from anywhere
- FAQ
This year’s Six Nations will kick off on February 5 and you can catch it on Peacock (US), RTÉ Player (Ireland), Sky Sport Now (New Zealand), and more. Unfortunately, these platforms aren’t available worldwide.
If your country doesn’t have an official broadcaster, you might not be able to watch Six Nations. And even if there’s an official platform streaming the games, you might have to pay as much as $20 to $30 for a subscription.
Luckily, a VPN is much cheaper. You can use a VPN to change your IP address and watch Six Nations for free on BBC iPlayer. Here’s how to watch Six Nations Rugby for free:
- Get a VPN subscription. I recommend NordVPN for streaming Six Nations, now 75% off.
- Download and install the VPN app.
- Select a VPN server in the UK.
- Sign up for a BBC iPlayer account.
- Start watching Six Nations games live for free!
NordVPN is my go-to for streaming Six Nations thanks to its fast speeds, large network, and reliable servers in the UK.
Need more details about watching Six Nations? This article has you covered!
Where to watch Six Nations 2026
To watch the Six Nations 2026 in the US, you will have to subscribe to Peacock Premium for $10.99/month or Peacock Premium Plus for $16.99/month. While rugby fans in the US need a paid subscription to stream the Six Nations, others can easily access completely free Six Nations live streams in many countries. The free Six Nations streams are available because the tournament has protected status, meaning it is broadcast for free on public channels in all participating countries.
For example, in the UK, Six Nations coverage is split between BBC and ITV, while in Ireland, matches are streamed free on RTE and Virgin Media. In France, fans can watch the tournament on FranceTélévisions, and in Italy, the country’s five matches are available on TV8, with others broadcast on Sky Sport. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, fans can watch Six Nations rugby free on UK channels such as the BBC and ITV. Ultimately, most European rugby fans can easily access live streams for free on their national broadcaster’s online platforms or on TV.
| Country | Six Nations Rugby streaming options |
| The US | Peacock (starting at $10.99/month) |
| The UK | BBC (FREE), ITV (FREE) |
| Ireland | RTE (FREE), Virgin Media (FREE) |
| Scotland | BBC (FREE), ITV (FREE) |
| France | France Télévisions (REE) |
| Italy | TV8 (FREE for Italy matches), Sky Sport (€15.20/month) |
| Northern Ireland | BBC (FREE), ITV (FREE) |
How to watch Six Nations Rugby for free with a VPN
Using a VPN can help you watch Six Nations free online on BBC iPlayer, RTE, France Télévisions, and other sites from countries where these streaming platforms are unavailable. With a VPN, you can connect to a server in a country like the UK, where Six Nations is available free on BBC and ITV, and then access these sites as if you were actually located there.
To watch Six Nations rugby with a VPN, follow these steps:
Step 1. Choose a reliable streaming VPN
The only way to access Six Nations Rugby streams is to change your IP address to a country where free streams are available, such as the UK, Italy, Ireland, or France, with a reliable VPN.
Based on my tests, NordVPN is the best VPN for watching Six Nations online for free, due to secure servers in all free stream countries, fast connection speeds for smooth watching, and premium privacy features to get around geo-blocks.
NordVPN has over 440 servers in the United Kingdom (including Scotland), more than 50 servers in Ireland, over 300 servers in France, and around 60 servers in Italy, which can be used to unblock free Six Nations Rugby streams on BBC, ITV, RTE, France Télévisions, and TV8.
Step 2. Download and install the VPN app on your device
Before you start using your VPN to stream Six Nations free online, you must first download the app and install it on your device.
If you prefer streaming on your computer or laptop, you can get the app from your VPN provider’s official website (www.nordvpn.com). If you’d rather stream rugby on your mobile device, you can get the VPN app on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Step 3. Connect to a server in a country offering free streams
The Six Nations Rugby tournament free streams are available on BBC and ITV in the UK, France Télévisions in France, RTE and Virgin Media in Ireland, and TV8 in Italy. To access these free streams, connect to a VPN server in the same country as your preferred streaming platform is available in. Once connected, your IP address will reflect the server’s, and you’ll be able to access your chosen platform without geo-restrictions.
I had the best success using NordVPN with BBC iPlayer to stream Six Nations for free. The VPN easily unblocked BBC iPlayer with a server in the UK, and I could access rugby live streams as well as numerous other content.
Step 4. Open the free streaming service (e.g., BBC iPlayer) and start watching
With the VPN connected, head to your preferred free rugby streaming service, such as BBC iPlayer, and start streaming. Remember that some platforms may require creating a free account before you start watching.
If you’d rather not create an account, then you can choose TV8 as your go-to Six Nations free streaming platform, as it will broadcast all Italy matches without requiring to sign-in.
Why you need a VPN for watching Six Nations Rugby
A VPN is important for watching Six Nations rugby if you can’t find an affordable broadcaster in your region or are currently traveling abroad:
- With a VPN, you can access free Six Nations streaming sites, such as ITV, BBC iPlayer, or RTE, even from unavailable countries.
- A VPN lets you watch Six Nations live streams when they are not locally available.
- A VPN allows you to change your virtual location so you can experience the local commentary from your chosen region.
- A VPN helps you avoid expensive subscriptions by letting you access free, legal local streams.
Sites like BBC iPlayer let you watch Six Nations games for free. However, BBC iPlayer is exclusive to the UK. The solution? A VPN will change your IP address to a UK IP address, tricking websites into thinking you’re currently in the UK, regardless of your location.
The best VPNs for watching Six Nations
Not all VPNs are good at unblocking platforms like the BBC iPlayer. A lot of VPNs have slow servers, which are not suitable for watching live events in HD. And that’s if you can even get on the site — weak VPNs can’t get around geographical restrictions.
If you want to watch Six Nations free from anywhere, choose a VPN from the list below.
1. NordVPN: Best VPN for watching the Six Nations Rugby Championship
NordVPN is my top choice for streaming anything online. I’ve always been impressed with its fast speeds, and I never had any problems getting around geo-restricted platforms with it. I’ve used it extensively to watch content on the BBC iPlayer, as well as on RTE, France Télévisions, and TV8, so if you want to watch Six Nations for free, it’s the best choice.
Not to mention, NordVPN isn’t limited to the UK. It has over 9300 servers in 137 countries. No matter where you plan to watch Six Nations rugby, NordVPN has you covered.
Best of all, it’s much cheaper than a subscription to Peacock or Stan Sport. Instead of paying big bucks to watch Six Nations in the US or Canada, you can just pay $ 3.49/month for a NordVPN subscription and enjoy rugby for free with their UK servers.
Pros
- Fast VPN to stream rugby without buffering
- Guaranteed to unblock the BBC iPlayer, perfect for watching Six Nations free
- Reliable servers in the UK, US, and other countries where Six Nations rugby is streaming
- Dedicated IP to get around difficult geo-restrictions
Cons
- Log in through browser
Ready to watch Six Nations live? Get NordVPN from the link below if you want a 75% discount, or try it risk-free with a 3-day trial.
Find out more in our detailed NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark: Affordable VPN for streaming rugby
Surfshark is an affordable and fast VPN that unblocks free Six Nations rugby streams on BBC, ITV, France Televisions, RTE, and other platforms. Accessing these sites with Surfshark is easy, as the VPN has 440+ servers in the UK, 64+ in Ireland, 76+ in France, as well as servers in Italy to access TV8.
Surfshark’s No Borders mode helps you get around internet censorship and makes connecting easier in countries that block VPN. I also like the addition of streaming-optimized servers, which made sure my streaming experience was very smooth and lag-free.
Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and it lets you install it on unlimited devices simultaneously. This makes it an ideal choice for large households or people who need it on multiple streaming devices.
Pros
- Solid track record of unblocking platforms like the BBC iPlayer
- 30-day money-back guarantee to watch Six Nations rugby without a risk
- Fastest VPN to watch rugby without buffering
- Easy to use and affordable
Cons
- A little slower than NordVPN
Like NordVPN, Surfshark is currently offering a massive discount to subscribers. If you use our link below, you can get Surfshark for as much as 85% off. That’s $ 2.49/month, a fraction of what you’d pay on sites like Hulu Live TV.
Get the full overview in our Surfshark review.
3. Proton VPN: Secure VPN for watching Six Nations rugby games
Proton VPN is another great option to watch the Six Nations for free. I’ve tested the UK VPN servers to unblock Six Nations rugby games with success. I could easily unblock the BBC iPlayer with Proton VPN. Then, I tried it with RTE, Virgin Media, ITV, and France Télévisions, and easily accessed these streaming platforms, too. In addition to regional platforms, this VPN also works with other major streaming services.
Proton VPN provides high-speed live streaming of rugby. During my test, I didn’t experience any lag.
Proton VPN is very easy to use, very fast, and it has a reliable network. This VPN prioritizes privacy, and it’s a very secure VPN to watch the Six Nations. You can subscribe to Proton VPN for $ 2.99/month; all your purchases are risk-free thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Easiest VPN to install on routers, which is a must for watching Six Nations for free on smart TVs
- Very fast connection speeds, so you won't deal with lag while watching Six Nations in HD
- Good server coverage in the UK, Ireland, and other places that broadcast Six Nations
Cons
- Free version of Proton VPN doesn't work with rugby streams
- No dedicated IP's
Not decided yet? Get all the details in our Proton VPN review.
How I chose the best VPN for streaming Six Nations Rugby
I don’t want you to waste your money on a poorly-functioning VPN that won’t unblock Six Nations rugby streams. That’s why I tested dozens of options to figure out which services to rank in this article. During my research, I focused on these criteria:
- Server network coverage: Your VPN should have servers in countries that carry Six Nations streams.
- Speed. A good Six Nations VPN won’t slow down your connection, so you can enjoy rugby games in HD.
- Unblocking capabilities: I only recommend VPNs that I’ve successfully used to unblock sites like the BBC iPlayer.
Six Nations Super Saturday schedule
| Date | Match | Location | Where to watch for free |
| 14 March 2026 | Ireland vs Scotland | Aviva Stadium, Dublin | BBC, ITV, RTE, Virgin Media, France Télévisions, TV8 |
| 14 March 2026 | Wales vs Italy | Principality Stadium, Cardiff | BBC, ITV, RTE, Virgin Media, France Télévisions, TV8 |
| 14 March 2026 | France vs England | Stade de France, Paris | BBC, ITV, RTE, Virgin Media, France Télévisions, TV8 |
How to watch Six Nations in France
The official broadcaster of the Six Nations Rugby tournament in France is France Télévisions. If you want French commentary of Six Nations matches, you can get that no matter where you are. France Télévisions will stream all Six Nations rugby games for free, and you can tune in with a French IP address.
If you’re away from home, here’s what you can do to access free Six Nations streams on France Télévisions:
- Get NordVPN, the best pick for streaming Six Nations.
- Download and install the app on your device.
- Connect to a server in France.
- Access France Télévisions, log in or sign up, and enjoy Six Nations games.
How to watch Six Nations Rugby in Ireland
In Ireland, the Six Nations rugby broadcasts are split between RTE and Virgin Media platforms. If you’re traveling when the games begin, here’s what you can do to watch Six Nations in Ireland on RTE or Virgin Media from anywhere:
- Subscribe to NordVPN.
- Download and install NordVPN on whichever device you want to use to watch Six Nations.
- Connect to a server in Ireland.
- Open RTÉ Player or Virgin Media on February 5, log in or create a free account, and enjoy the first match of the season.
How to watch Six Nations in the US
The official streaming platform for Six Nations in the US is Peacock. However, it is a paid service, with subscriptions starting at $10.99/month. If you’re in the States, I recommend using a VPN, switching to a UK server, and watching Six Nations free on the BBC iPlayer.
However, if you want to access a US stream from abroad, here’s what you can do:
- Get a NordVPN subscription. It has an amazing server network in the US.
- Download and install the NordVPN app.
- Connect to a server in the US.
- Sign up for Peacock and enjoy the games starting February 5.
How to watch Six Nations in South Africa
The official platform to watch the Six Nations in South Africa is SuperSport, available via a DStv Stream subscription. To access SuperSport on DStv, you will need to get at least the Compact Plus subscription, which is priced at R659/month. If you’re not signed up and you’re away from home, here’s what you can do:
- Get a NordVPN subscription.
- Download and install NordVPN.
- Connect to a server in South Africa.
- Sign up for DStv Stream. Choose the Compact Plus or the Premium package to access SuperSport.
- Tune into SuperSport and stream Six Nations games.
While DStv is a relatively inexpensive service, free is always better. That’s why I recommend you use NordVPN to connect to a UK server and watch Six Nations on the BBC iPlayer.
How to watch Six Nations live stream in Spain
In Spain, rugby fans can stream the Six Nations only via a Movistar+ subscription, which is priced at $9.99/month. I recommend you use NordVPN to access a free stream from somewhere else.
However, if you want Spanish commentary and you’re away from home, here’s what you can do:
- Get a reliable VPN, like NordVPN.
- Download and install its app on your device.
- Connect to a server in Spain.
- Sign up for Movistar+ and enjoy Six Nations games with Spanish commentary!
How to watch the Six Nations Championship in New Zealand
In New Zealand, rugby fans can only stream the Six Nations via Sky Sport Now. However, the platform is not free, with subscriptions starting at NZ$29.99 for a day pass or NZ$54.99 for a monthly pass.
However, if you want a New Zealand stream no matter where you are, here’s what you can do:
- Subscribe to NordVPN.
- Download and install its app on your device.
- Connect to a server in New Zealand.
- Log in or sign up for Sky Sport Now.
- Access the site before a Six Nations championship match and enjoy the game!
How to watch the Six Nations Championship in the Netherlands
Six Nations is streaming on Ziggo in the Netherlands. If you already have a subscription to the service, you can use the Ziggo GO app to watch all Six Nations.
If you don’t, you can subscribe to Ziggo Internet for $30.75/month, which will let you watch Ziggo Sport, where the first match of the season will air. Alternatively, you can subscribe to any other Dutch TV provider and purchase the Ziggo Sport Totaal package as an add-on. Then, it should cost you around $10 – $20 per month in addition to your TV subscription.
It’s expensive, so I recommend you use free UK streaming services, which you can access with the help of a VPN. But if you want Dutch commentary from anywhere, here’s what you can do:
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN app, like NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app on your preferred device.
- Connect to a server in the Netherlands.
- Sign up for Ziggo and use the Ziggo GO app to watch your favorite team play!
How to stream Six Nations Rugby in Australia
In Australia, Stan has exclusive rights to Six Nations matches. To watch it, you’ll need a basic Stan subscription, priced at around AU$12–$21/month, and the Stan Sport add-on, which will cost you an additional AU$20/month. So, in total, you will be paying around AU$32 to AU$41 to stream the Six Nations in Australia. I recommend using a free stream from the UK instead, which you can access by using a VPN to change your virtual location.
However, if you’re away from home and you want an Australian stream, here’s what you can do:
- Invest in a premium VPN like NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a server in Australia.
- Sign up for Stan and get the Stan Sport add-on.
- Watch Six Nations matches on Stan’s official app.
Final tips: how to stream Six Nations from anywhere
Streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITV, and RTE allow rugby fans to watch the Six Nations Rugby Tournament for free. However, they are geo-locked to their home countries, making them unavailable worldwide.
Fortunately, these Six Nations streaming platforms can be accessed from anywhere by using a VPN. It easily changes your virtual location to that of your chosen streaming platform, letting you access free match streams as if you were a local.
I found NordVPN to be the best VPN for streaming Six Nations for free online due to its global server fleet, blazing connection speeds, and exceptional geo-block bypassing capabilities.
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FAQ
Still not sure how to watch Six Nations for free? Check out the FAQ section below for any clarifications you might need. If I didn’t answer your question, feel free to leave a comment below!
The Six Nations channels depend on your location. For example, in the US, the Six Nations is on Peacock, while in the UK it’s on BBC and ITV, both of which are free platforms. In Australia, you can watch the rugby tournament on Stan Sport, and in Ireland, it is free to stream on RTE and Virgin Media. You can access your preferred streaming platform from anywhere in the world by using a streaming-compatible VPN, such as NordVPN.
To watch Six Nations rugby online from anywhere, use a VPN to access official broadcasters that stream the tournament. First, get a VPN subscription (NordVPN is a reliable option for streaming), then download and install the VPN app on your device. Next, connect to a server in a country where the matches are available, such as the UK for BBC iPlayer or ITVX. After that, open the streaming platform, sign up or log in, and start watching Six Nations games live online from anywhere
You can watch Ireland vs Scotland for free on BBC, ITV, RTE, Virgin Media, France Télévisions, and TV8. Just keep in mind that if you’re outside of these streaming platforms’ home countries, you’ll have to use a reliable VPN, like NordVPN, to stream the match for free.
You can watch France vs England for free on BBC, ITV, RTE, Virgin Media, France Télévisions, and TV8. In case you’re outside of these streaming platforms’ home countries, you can use a reliable VPN, like NordVPN, to stream the match for free.
You can watch Six Nations rugby live streaming for free on BBC iPlayer, ITV, RTE, Virgin Media, France Televisions, and TV8. However, while free, all of these platforms are geo-blocked in the countries where they are based. So, to access free rugby on BBC iPlayer, use a VPN, like NordVPN, to change your virtual location to the UK. The same method applies to the Irish RTE, the French France Televisions, and the Italian TV8, all of which host Six Nations Rugby for free.
Yes, Six Nations is on Peacock in the US. However, this is a paid service, and you will have to purchase a subscription, starting at $10.99/month. If, instead, you’d like to stream Six Nations for free, you can use a VPN, such as NordVPN, to change your virtual location to the UK and access free streams on BBC iPlayer.
Yes, you can use a VPN and connect to a server in the UK to get a British IP address to access BBC iPlayer. It will offer all Six Nations games for free with UK commentary.
