How to Watch NRL Live in the USA, UK, & More for Free (2024)

The exciting National Rugby League (NRL) is on and promising more action than ever. If you're a die-hard rugby fan, you won't want to miss a single game. Worth noting, however, is that NRL broadcasts are only limited to a few countries, primarily Australia and New Zealand.

While it's theoretically possible to use a VPN to watch NRL games from anywhere, please be aware that doing so violates many streaming platforms’ terms and conditions and could potentially constitute copyright infringement.

However, if you want to watch NRL games in HD inside a supported country, ExpressVPN is my top pick. Thanks to its fast speeds, great security, and reliable privacy, you can enjoy rugby matches live without buffering. You can try ExpressVPN yourself risk-free, as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

Watch NRL With ExpressVPN >>

Best VPNs to Watch NRL in HD in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for NRL With Impressive Speeds for High-Quality Live Streaming

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested May 2024

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN has impressive speeds for watching the NRL. It’s built using a lightweight protocol (the method the VPN uses for rerouting your traffic) called Lightway. Most other VPNs slow you down significantly, but ExpressVPN’s Lightway delivered impressive speeds during my tests. I only experienced a 22% speed drop from my 108Mbps base connection, allowing me to stream a Titans vs. Bulldogs match in UHD without lag.

The extensive server network in 105 countries includes NRL-supported locations like Australia, making it easy to watch matches in HD within such countries. In fact, I had no problems making it work with my 9Now account. I also wasn't concerned about hitting any data caps, because ExpressVPN doesn't restrict bandwidth usage.

There’s an ExpressVPN app for nearly every device, including laptops, phones, and smart TVs. All the apps I tested are user-friendly (even for VPN beginners), allowing you to set up and stream the NRL in minutes. The Smart DNS feature (MediaStreamer) also lets you watch games on devices that don't normally support VPNs, like Apple TV, Xbox, and Playstation.

On the downside, ExpressVPN’s plans are pricey. You can, however, snap up one of the frequent discounts it offers. I got up to 49% off and 3 months for free on the yearly plan, paying just $6.67/month. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to try the service without risk.

Useful Features

• IP/DNS/WebRTC leak protection. ExpressVPN’s robust leak protection ensures your IP address, and other private information, are never leaked. That way, you can stream the NRL without worrying about your data being collected by advertisers.
• Split tunneling. This feature allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which ones don’t. You can use it to watch NRL securely with ExpressVPN, while non-streaming apps can stay on your regular low-latency connection (VPNs usually impact ping).
• Simultaneous connections. You can connect up to 8 devices to the VPN at the same time. This allows your family to stream the NRL or whatever sports they like on their own devices, without affecting each other’s connection.

2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers to Watch NRL Without Buffering

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost offers optimized streaming servers for 9Now, which airs the NRL games for free. These specialized servers are regularly tested and maintained to make sure they work with 9Now. Every time I tested these servers, I had no problems making the VPN work with 9Now.

The 9Now servers can easily be found in the For Streaming tab

Nicely, CyberGhost’s speeds are also good for live streaming NRL games. Although it couldn't match ExpressVPN, the Australian server gave me 79Mbps, just a 24% drop from my usual speed. This is more than sufficient for UHD streaming, which only requires roughly 25Mbps. The added benefit of unlimited bandwidth means you can stream as many matches as you wish without restrictions.

Whether you intend to stream on small or large screens, the VPN offers user-friendly native apps for all major devices (you can connect up to 7 under one subscription). Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost also has a Smart DNS feature for watching NRL games on devices that don't support VPNs (like Xbox or PlayStation consoles).

It can be quite expensive to subscribe to the service monthly, and these plans only come with a 14-day money-back guarantee. The longer plans, however, are really affordable — they start from just $2.19/month. They also come with an extended guarantee, letting you try CyberGhost for 45 days free.

Useful Features

• Multiple NRL servers. As well as 9Now, CyberGhost also has servers optimized for other platforms that stream NRL — like Sky Go, Fox Sports, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV.
• Dedicated IP. CyberGhost also allows you to pay an extra fee to get a dedicated IP. That way, you know you can connect right away to a local IP address that works with your chosen NRL streaming service.

3. Private Internet Access — Unlimited Connections to Watch NRL on All Your Streaming Devices

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA allows you to connect as many devices as you want with a single license. This is a huge advantage if you have multiple streaming devices or a large household eager to catch all the NRL action. I found during my tests that PIA works on all major platforms, and I never got any performance issues, even when I tried streaming a match on 8 devices at the same time. What’s more, you get unlimited connections with all PIA plans — even the ones starting from $2.19/month.

The servers in New Zealand and across Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne work with many NRL broadcasters, such as 9Now and Kayo Sports. PIA is fast for streaming too. My speeds on Australian servers peaked at 72Mbps, just a 33% reduction from my regular internet connection. I watched Melbourne Storm vs. Sydney Roosters in HD on 9Now in Australia without lag.

My one complaint is that PIA comes with a lot of additional security settings that can be overwhelming if you’re new to VPNs. However, I found the default settings to be ideal for streaming, so you don’t need to change anything.

Useful Features

• MACE ad blocker. All PIA apps have the MACE blocker built in, which stops annoying pop-ups and dodgy ads from ruining NRL game night.
• 30-day money-back guarantee. After 27 days of using PIA, I contacted support to cancel my plan and received a full refund within a few days. I was able to test PIA without risk.

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

Where Can I Watch NRL Online?

NRL live broadcasts are geographically restricted due to licensing agreements. Due to this, you can only watch National Rugby League games in Australia, New Zealand, and a few other countries. These restrictions are enforced by NRL broadcasters, who check your IP address to find your location — if you’re in an unsupported country, you’ll be blocked.

To enjoy a Rabbitohs vs. Roosters game on 9Now, you need to be in Australia

That said, multiple platforms show NRL games around the world. Whether you live in the US, UK, or Canada, there's a way to watch NRL games online. Check out the list below to find out which sports streaming platform is broadcasting the games.

How to Watch NRL Live in Australia (For Free)

The Channel 9 network airs NRL games for free through its 9Now streaming service, including the NRL Finals series and the Grand Final. If you live in Australia, you can sign up for an account on the 9Now website to get access to live and on-demand games. It’s worth noting that there’s a convenient 9Now app for most devices.

You can also watch live NRL games within Australia on Foxtel Now, Fox Sports (Fox League), and Kayo Sports. However, you'll need a paid subscription to stream NRL matches on these platforms.

How to Watch NRL Live in New Zealand

You can catch NRL matches in New Zealand on Sky Sports, Sky Sports Now, and Sky Go. All these are paid platforms, so you'll have to subscribe first. That being said, Sky Go has an app you can download to watch NRL on most streaming devices.

How to Watch NRL Live in the US

Fox Sports broadcasts NRL games live in the US. You'll need a cable subscription that includes Fox Sports or access to the channel via a streaming service like Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Fubo TV, or DirecTV.

How to Watch NRL Live in Canada

Rugby fans in Canada can watch NRL games through Fox Sports or Sportsnet Now (Sportsnet+). Both platforms are paid, but Sportsnet Now is included in cable TV packages with select providers, including Rogers, Shaw, and Telus.

How to Watch NRL Live in the UK

Sky Sports broadcasts NRL games in the UK. Once you have a subscription, you can watch the games on the Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Mix channels, or download the Sky Go app. Sky also provides the online streaming service Now TV, which offers packages that include all Sky Sports channels, including those that show NRL games.

How to Watch NRL Online from Everywhere Else

International fans can use the Watch NRL Global Pass to stream National Rugby League games live and on-demand. It’s the official Fox Sports international streaming service and has apps for most devices. However, subscriptions are only available in some regions (Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island countries are excluded).

The official NRL site also has a full list of international TV broadcasters. These include beIN in France, ECLAT in Southeast Asia, Mono in Thailand, FBC Sports in Fiji, and TBC in Tonga.

Important: Using a VPN to watch NRL on these platforms from an unsupported country may breach the platform’s terms of service and potentially result in copyright infringement.

FAQs on How to Watch NRL Live Online

Where can I watch the NRL for free?

On the 9Now platform. It's an Australian-based streaming service though, so you can’t normally watch the free streams from abroad. In such cases, it's best you explore local sports streaming websites or television channels for NRL broadcasts that may be available in your region.

Where is the Watch NRL app available?

Watch NRL is accessible outside of Australia, New Zealand, and some Pacific Nations like Samoa, Fiji, and Tonga. If you are living in any of these regions, you can use a VPN to watch NRL live rugby or highlights on the app in HD quality, all without worrying about delays.

Some of the regions and countries where you can use the Watch NRL international streaming service are:

• North America (USA)
• Europe (United Kingdom, Netherlands, France, and many more)
• Canada
• Africa
• Asia
• South East Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei)

How can I watch the NRL without Foxtel?

You can stream NRL through video-on-demand platforms like 9Now. Alternatively, you can also watch every game of the NRL regular season live by subscribing to Kayo Sports. This streaming service offers comprehensive sports coverage,​​ but keep in mind that it requires a paid subscription.

Is it illegal to watch the NRL with a VPN?

VPNs are generally legal and can be used in many countries to stream NRL games in HD, provided the country supports VPN use. However, countries with strict internet censorship, like China and Russia, may restrict or ban VPNs. It's important to consult local laws about VPNs to ensure legal compliance.

Which teams are in the 2024 NRL?

This year’s teams include:

You can catch matches from all these teams in HD using a quality VPN. Just connect to a nearby server in your country, log in to your streaming service account, and enjoy all the action in the best quality without delays.

Watch the NRL in HD in Minutes

The best way to watch the entire NRL season in HD is with a VPN. A VPN can prevent ISP throttling during the NRL season, ensuring consistent streaming quality. It also encrypts your connection, protecting your online activities from advertisers.

ExpressVPN is my top choice for watching NRL games. Its fast and reliable servers in Australia let you stream NRL content within the country in high quality. You can also try ExpressVPN without risk since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, the best VPNs for watching the NRL are…

Rank

Provider

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1

9.9 /10

9.9 Our Score

Save 49%!

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2

9.7 /10

9.7 Our Score

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3

9.5 /10

9.5 Our Score

Save 82%!

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