How to Watch Six Nations Rugby Online for Free in 2024
You can live stream the 2024 Six Nations for free on BBC iPlayer, ITVX, France TV, and RTÉ Player. However, you must be in a relevant country, like the UK. There are also paid platforms airing the 6 Nations in the US, Australia, and more.
Theoretically, a VPN can give you a UK IP address to watch Six Nations Rugby from anywhere. However, this violates streaming platforms' T&Cs and possibly copyright laws. Still, if you're in a country with broadcasting rights, a VPN is a helpful tool to avoid bandwidth-based ISP throttling and protect your data.
Of the 63 VPNs my team and I tested, I recommend ExpressVPN to secure your connection while streaming Six Nations Rugby since it won't compromise your speed. Its fast servers worldwide let you watch rugby matches in picture-perfect quality. You can also try ExpressVPN risk-free, as it’s backed by a 30-day refund policy. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Quick Guide: How to Watch Six Nations Rugby With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a reliable VPN. To stream Six Nations live in HD, I recommend ExpressVPN. Its speeds are impressive, and it works with various sports streaming platforms.
- If you’re in the UK, connect to a nearby server. The closer the server, the better your streaming speeds.
- Start watching Six Nations Rugby. You can now enjoy the games for free on BBC iPlayer and ITV.
Best VPNs to Watch Six Nations Rugby Live in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — Excellent Speeds to Watch Six Nations Rugby Without Buffering
Tested October 2024 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Best Feature | Its Lightway Protocol uses less code to move data faster for uninterrupted streaming |
Speed | An unnoticeable 4% average speed reduction is ideal for live rugby |
Server Network | 3,000 servers in 105 countries to quickly find a server near you |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, FireStick, and more |
ExpressVPN was the fastest one I tested, making it excellent for live-streaming the Six Nations. I watched rugby matches in the best quality, never experiencing any delays. From Berkshire, I tested servers near me in the UK and got an average download speed of 112.07Mbps from a base connection of 116.86Mbps. You only need 5Mbps for HD streaming. It also worked flawlessly with BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
Apps are intuitive and straightforward to use. Every popular operating system is supported. I installed it on my Windows laptop, connected to a nearby server, and was watching live rugby matches in less than 5 minutes. You can even stream simultaneously with ExpressVPN on up to 8 devices.
There are also various ways to watch the 6 Nations on your big screen. ExpressVPN has native apps for Android TV and Apple TV. With your phone, you just scan a QR code on your TV screen, like a WhatsApp Web login. If you're in the US or UK, the MediaStreamer features let you stream content on devices that don't support VPNs, like older smart TVs. However, it won't encrypt your traffic, so it doesn't offer the security benefits of a VPN.
A minor downside is the price starting at $6.67/month. However, you can save up to 48% with ExpressVPN's long-term plans. There's also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without risk. I tested the refund policy using the 24/7 live chat and got my request approved within minutes. The money was returned to my bank account 3 days later.
Useful Features
- Dedicated router app. With ExpressVPN's custom router app, you can stream using any device connected to your home network, including gaming consoles. There are even routers like Aircove with the VPN already pre-installed.
- Automatic obfuscation. This disguises VPN traffic as regular internet data. It allowed me to easily watch Six Nations matches on WiFi networks that unfairly restrict VPNs, like at my office and other shared networks.
- Browser extensions. Unlike many VPNs which only offer unencrypted proxies, ExpressVPN’s extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and others let you connect to real VPN servers. This lets you watch Six Nations games in browsers without a separate app.
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers to Reliably Stream the Six Nations
Best Feature | Streaming servers to easily watch Six Nations on BBC iPlayer, ITV, and more |
Speed | Nearby servers dropped my average download speed by only 8% |
Server Network | 11,690 servers in 100 countries to avoid congestion due to overcrowding |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, FireStick, and more |
CyberGhost's dedicated streaming servers are constantly tested to ensure they work with popular sports platforms streaming the Six Nations. While in the UK, I tested CyberGhost's BBC iPlayer and ITV servers and got flawless video quality. My colleague in Australia had a similar experience with its Stan server, as did my Canadian teammate testing DAZN.
Like ExpressVPN, apps are available for all major devices and easy to navigate. To find a streaming server in your country, simply click the For streaming tab and type your location into the search bar. A list of optimized servers will appear. If CyberGhost doesn't have a server for your preferred streaming service, use its Best server location feature to connect instantly to a regular server that will provide optimum speeds.
One small con is that CyberGhost only offers a short money-back guarantee with its 1-month plan, which is also more expensive. Luckily, you get 45 days to test CyberGhost for free when opting for a long-term option. It's also the most affordable at $2.19/month.
Useful Features
- Block Content. This blocks ads and online trackers, protecting you from malicious links and sites.
- Smart Rules. You can set CyberGhost to automatically connect when you use specific streaming apps or WiFi networks, so you’re always protected when streaming sports.
- Dedicated IPs. CyberGhost offers dedicated IP addresses at a small extra cost. This helps avoid the common issue of VPN IP addresses being blocked due to abuse by other users. There are options for the US, UK, Canada, and more.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Balance Speed With Security While Streaming the 6 Nations
Best Feature | Watch the Six Nations uninterrupted without worrying about hackers and snoops |
Speed | Almost as fast as CyberGhost, with only a 9% speed reduction |
Server Network | 29,650 servers in 91 countries, with 3 locations in the UK |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, FireStick, and more |
PIA gives you complete control to optimize your VPN connection for streaming. The OpenVPN protocol allows you to choose between 256-bit and 128-bit encryption (the latter is faster). However, during my tests, the WireGuard protocol consistently gave me the best-streaming performance when watching live rugby matches.
All these customization options might make the VPN slightly more complicated for beginners. However, settings come pre-configured, so you can start streaming immediately without adjusting anything. I also like that you can drag and drop elements around on the dashboard. This lets you put the features, servers, or information you need front and center.
PIA's plans are affordable, with long-term options only $2.19/month. That’s a massive discount of up to 82%. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there's no risk in trying it for the Six Nations.
Useful Features
- Displays server ping. Even though my speeds were slower than ExpressVPN, it's still fast enough for HD streaming. With the current ping of each server clearly displayed, it’s easy to choose the fastest option in your country. Lower ping means more efficient data transfer, which is crucial for streaming Six Nations matches live without buffering.
- Automation. PIA lets you set rules to connect PIA automatically during certain situations. I set it up to activate PIA on any public WiFi network, protecting my data while streaming the Six Nations Championship.
Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Watching Six Nations
I used the below criteria to determine the best VPNs for live-streaming the Six Nations without compromising security. If you want to do your own tests, make sure to look at the following:
- Servers in your country. A VPN needs servers near you to watch local streaming platforms without issues. Check the VPN’s website or ask support for a list of VPNs server locations. The more servers, the better; if one fails for any reason, you can simply switch to another.
- Fast speeds. Speed is essential for streaming live sports like Six Nations without buffering. You can use online speed test tools and do your own streaming test.
- Device compatibility. Choose a VPN that works with your preferred devices. All the VPNs on this list are compatible with all major devices and operating systems, including smart TVS.
- Easy to use. Read custom reviews and take the VPN for a test to make sure you can start streaming right away.
- Value for money. Evaluate the features offered against the subscription price. Look for a VPN that balances essential features like security, speed, and server availability at a reasonable cost.
- Excellent customer support. Quick assistance is vital, especially if you encounter issues during a live Six Nations match. I contacted each service’s customer support (they all have 24/7 live chat) and got helpful and immediate responses.
- Trustworthy money-back guarantee. This allows you to test the VPN's performance risk-free ahead of the Six Nations, so you can use it with confidence when the tournament kicks off.
Where Can I Watch the Six Nations Online?
As a multi-country rugby competition, the Six Nations Championship games are available in various countries. Many countries with teams in the Six Nations offer free-to-air channels to watch all the games.
Countries | Streaming platform |
UK | ITVX (free), BBC iPlayer (free), S4C (free and includes Welsch commentary) |
Ireland | RTÉ Player (free), Virgin Media One |
US | NBC via Peacock, Sling TV, FuboTV (7-day free trial), YouTube TV (7-day free trial), DIRECTV (5-day free trial), and Hulu + Live TV |
Canada | DAZN |
Australia | Stan Sports (30-day free trial), Kayo Sports (7-day free trial) |
France | France TV (free) |
South Africa | Supersport (DSTV) |
New Zealand | Sky Go (Sky TV) |
Italy | Sky Sports, DMAX (free to air), Sky Italia |
Germany | More Than Sports |
Asia | Premier Sports |
FAQs on Watching Six Nations Rugby With a VPN
Can I watch Six Nations Rugby completely free?
Yes, if you’re in a country with a free streaming service. For example, if you have a UK TV license and are in the UK, you can watch the 6 Nations free on BBC iPlayer or ITVX. Each free-to-air service carries separate Six Nations matches, so you’ll need both to watch the entire tournament. Other free streaming services include RTÉ Player and France TV.
Can I use a free VPN to watch Six Nations?
While you may find a free VPN to stream the Six Nations in your country, I don’t recommend it. Free VPNs often have limited servers, slower speeds, and poor device compatibility, which can significantly hamper your streaming with frequent buffering or low-quality streams. A premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is a safer and more reliable alternative.
Free VPNs also pose security and privacy risks. They may sell your data, infect your device with malware, or provide inadequate security measures, compromising your online safety. If it’s free, you’re the product, as they say. Also, note that using a VPN to watch the Six Nations from abroad goes against copyright laws, and we don't support it.
Is Six Nations Rugby available to watch on Amazon Prime Video?
No, Six Nations Rugby isn’t available on Amazon Prime Video. Amazon Prime Video has only bought the rights to show the annual Summer Nations Rugby series. However, there are plenty of other streaming providers airing the Championship.
Can I watch Six Nations Rugby in Australia, Canada, or any other country?
Yes, there are many platforms that show Six Nations in these countries. For example, in Australia, there is Kayo Sports and Stan, with DAZN showing it in Canada. While there aren’t any international free options, many offer free trials.
What if my VPN isn’t working to stream Six Nations?
This is likely due to the streaming service detecting and blocking your VPN. If this issue persists, consider switching to a tried-and-tested VPN to stream Six Nations reliably. Because some use VPNs to contravene streaming services’ T&Cs, known VPN IPs are often blocked, even if they match the country you’re in. However, it may also just be due to other technical bugs.
To troubleshoot and fix this issue, you can try the following:
- If you’re in a country where Six Nations is broadcast, make sure you’re connected to a nearby server to use your local account.
- Check for IP leaks which may cause discrepancies with your streaming service.
- Clear your browser's cookies and cache, as they can store location data.
- Try using a different nearby server or switching to another tunneling protocol.
- Make sure your VPN software is updated to the latest version.
- Use incognito mode to prevent previous session data from interfering.
- If issues persist, contact your VPN’s customer support for help.
Watch Six Nations Online in Minutes
BBC iPlayer and ITVX will stream Six Nations Rugby live for free in the UK. There are also a few other free options in other countries. However, a VPN is recommended to enjoy the Rugby Championship without worrying about your online privacy.
ExpressVPN is my top choice for securely watching the Six Nations Rugby live. Its fast servers provide uninterrupted streaming in UHD, and it's easy to use. You can try it out risk-free since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To summarize, these are the best VPNs to Watch Six Nations Rugby...
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