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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

How to Watch the Rugby World Cup 2023 — Live Streaming

Anshul Jain Fact-checked by Anneke van Aswegen Former Cybersecurity Researcher

The Rugby World Cup is a UK-exclusive event due to broadcasting rights. Streaming platforms that broadcast the tournament can detect your location via your IP address. So, you need a UK IP address to watch the Rugby teams clash live on platforms like ITVX.

Technically, a VPN can provide you with a UK IP address, letting you watch the Rugby World Cup from any country. However, this goes against the ToS and potentially infringes on copyright laws.

For those already in the UK looking to bolster their streaming security, a VPN can do the trick. My colleagues and I tested various VPNs in the UK to shortlist the best services. ExpressVPN is my top choice to watch the Rugby World Cup — it delivers on both security and speed. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If it doesn't live up to your expectations, you can request a refund. 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.

Watch the Rugby World Cup Safely in HD >>

Quick Guide: How to Watch the Rugby World Cup With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Get a reliable VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN for its secure and fast network that lets you stream privately and buffer-free. You can try ExpressVPN without risk (it's supported by a 30-day money-back policy).
  2. Connect to a local server. While in the UK, pick a local server to access the RWC stream safely. For example, you can watch the Rugby World Cup via your ITVX account.
  3. Start watching. You’re all set to stream the Rugby matches in high quality while protecting your data.
Important: We at vpnMentor stand against violating ToS or copyright laws. VPNs we discuss have reliable no-logs policies that prevent anyone from knowing about your online activities. This means it’s up to you to abide by local regulations and streaming rules.

Best VPNs to Watch the Rugby World Cup Privately in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Excellent Speeds for Streaming the Rugby World Cup Without Buffering

Best Feature Its Lightway protocol ensures fast and reliable connections, ideal for live rugby streams
Speed Only a 7% speed drop, so you won’t face any buffering
Server Network 3,000 servers in 105 countries reliably watch Rugby games
Compatible With Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more
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.

ExpressVPN was the fastest VPN I tested for watching live rugby matches. Thanks to the smaller and simpler codebase of its proprietary Lightway protocol, you can enjoy faster connections and data transfer speeds. I was impressed with ExpressVPN’s speeds while testing it from the UK. My speed dropped by just 7%, from 112.71Mbps to 105.03Mbps — enough to avoid lags in the highest steaming quality.

Its extensive server network is another major perk. You can quickly find a server near you in the UK that works with sports streaming platforms. Having so many servers also prevents overcrowding, so you don’t miss out on the action.

Streaming Rugby match on ITVX with ExpressVPN connected to UK server.My connection allowed for seamless streaming in HD quality

The only drawback is that it’s slightly pricier than other VPNs on this list, starting at $6.67/month. But ExpressVPN frequently offers great deals; I was able to get a discount of 48% and got 3 bonus months free when I signed up for the long-term plan. A worthy investment for rugby fans.

All plans are also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you find yourself unsatisfied with its service, you can contact customer support for a full refund. I tested this refund policy by contacting 24/7 live chat. After a quick chat, they processed my refund, and I got my money returned to my PayPal within 3 days.

Useful Features

  • MediaStreamer. Once set up, this lets you reliably stream local content on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like older smart TVs and gaming consoles.
  • Instant Setup. Whether you're on Windows, Mac, or mobile, setting up ExpressVPN is a breeze. It took me 3 minutes to install and connect to a UK server.
  • Split Tunneling. You can choose which apps use the VPN connection and which don’t. This is useful if you want to securely stream through the VPN while keeping non-streaming apps on your regular low-latency internet (VPNs typically increase ping).
  • 8 Simultaneous Connections. You can use ExpressVPN on multiple devices at once and only pay for a single subscription. Very useful if your family is streaming sports on other screens.
ExpressVPN Offer October 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 48% off! Don't miss out!

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers to Easily Watch the Rugby World Cup

Best Feature Streaming-optimized servers deliver optimal performance for watching Rugby matches
Speed A 13% speed drop when connecting to nearby servers, so no delays while watching the RWC
Server Network 11,690 servers in 100 countries to quickly find the optimal server for Rugby streams
Compatible With Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

CyberGhost’s specialized streaming servers help you watch the Rugby World Cup safely. These servers are continually updated to avoid disruptions. My colleagues in the UK verified that the local CyberGhost’s servers work with ITVX. To access, open the app, choose For streaming, and search for your preferred platform.

Screenshot of CyberGhost's streaming-optimized servers on WindowsYou can favorite your most used optimized servers by clicking the star icon next to it

The VPN installation on my devices was simple and direct. It offers intuitive applications for all commonly used platforms, maintaining a uniform interface. There's no need to spend extra time adjusting settings; simply connect and begin enjoying the game.

While in the UK, my speeds on London servers were impressive (almost as fast as ExpressVPN’s). Thanks to encryption, you can avoid ISP speed reduction when streaming sports. So, CyberGhost allowed me to stream rugby in HD without any playback issues.

CyberGhost offers good value for its pricing, especially with longer-term plans starting at $2.19/month. If you're unsure, you can test CyberGhost freely using its 45-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

  • Ad Blocker. Nobody likes ads, especially during an intense match. CyberGhost's built-in ad blocker ensures you're not interrupted by pesky pop-ups.
  • Multi-Device Support. CyberGhost allows up to 7 simultaneous connections. So, while streaming the match on your laptop, you can also browse securely on your phone.
  • Dedicated IPs For an extra fee, you can get a dedicated IP. This creates a consistent online experience without frequent captcha verifications.
October 2024 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 83% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

3. PIA — Vast Server Network to Reliably Access the RWC from the UK

Best Feature Vast network helps UK users find a nearby server for streaming
Speed 18% speed drop is fast enough for HD streaming
Server Network 29,650 servers in 91 countries, with UK locations that work with ITVX
Compatible With Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process.

PIA's network offers reliable servers to watch the Rugby World Cup seamlessly. All its servers are upgraded to 10Gbps, increasing the bandwidth for a smoother connection. I easily access ITVX while in the UK to stream various live sports, including Rugby.

Screenshot of PIA's server list on WindowsThe latency makes it easy to find out the closest servers that’ll give you a stable connection

While not as fast as ExpressVPN or CyberGhost, during my tests, PIA still gave me good speeds of 155Mbps on a 190Mbps connection (an 18% speed drop). You only need 5Mbps for HD streaming, so even if you have a lower base connection than me, you can watch rugby matches uninterrupted.

On the downside, PIA's many customization options can be confusing for beginners. However, it comes pre-configured, so you can dive into the rugby action right after installation and without having to tinker with any settings.

PIA is very affordable, with plans starting at $2.19/month. Plus, you can try it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

  • MACE. PIA's MACE is a lifesaver for those annoyed by ads and trackers. It effectively blocks these, so your streaming won’t get interrupted.
  • WireGuard Protocol. This modern protocol ensures a blend of speed and security, making your online experience both swift and safe.
  • Unlimited Simultaneous Connections. With PIA, you can connect an unlimited number of devices at once. Perfect if you have multiple devices or an equally sports-obsessed family.
October 2024 Update: PIA doesn't usually have deals or discounts (it's already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 82% off!

Where Can I Watch the Rugby World Cup Online?

The Rugby World Cup is broadcast on several different channels around the world. Here’s a breakdown of the main RWC official broadcasters so you can watch it from wherever you are.

Country Official Broadcaster Free Trial
Argentina Star+ No
Australia 9Now Unlimited Free Plan
Belgium Play Sports No
Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong,

Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia,

Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand

beIN Sports Yes
Canada TSN No
France TF1 Yes
Germany ProSieben MAXX No
Ireland RTÉ No
Italy Sky Sports No
Japan J Sports No
Middle East & North Africa Starz No
Netherlands Ziggo Sport No
New Zealand Sky No
Portugal Sport TV No
Southeast Asia beIN Sports Yes
South Africa SuperSport No
United Kingdom ITVX Yes
United States NBC Sports Yes

FAQs on Securely Watching the Rugby World Cup With a VPN

Is it legal to use a VPN to stream the Rugby World Cup?

Yes, using a VPN to stream the Rugby World Cup is legal in most countries. Sports streaming platforms generally permit you to use a VPN to protect your location and online activities.

That being said, using a VPN to alter your IP address so that you can watch rugby streams outside their licensed areas may not only violate the relevant streaming platform’s rules, but may also be seen as copyright infringement. Some countries also heavily restrict or outright ban VPNs. Before using a VPN, always check your local laws and regulations, and we highly recommend against using one to bypass the geo-restrictions of streaming platforms.

Can I watch the Rugby World Cup on my mobile with a VPN?

You can watch the Rugby World Cup on your mobile device via a VPN. Most premium VPNs offer dedicated apps for Android and iOS. While in the UK, you can connect to a nearby server to stream the RWC with improved privacy. ExpressVPN is ideal for streaming live sports on mobile as its Lightway protocol drains less battery.

Will using a VPN affect the streaming quality of the Rugby World Cup matches?

The quality of your stream primarily depends on your base connection and the VPN's speed. A high-quality VPN, like ExpressVPN, has fast servers that ensure minimal speed loss, allowing you to watch matches in HD or even 4K.

Can I watch the Rugby World Cup 2024 without a cable subscription?

Yes, several online streaming platforms broadcast the Rugby World Cup so that you can watch the games without a cable subscription. However, most broadcasters have licensing restrictions to stream only in specific countries.

While a VPN can technically allow you to access these platforms from outside their licensed areas, this goes against both their T&Cs and copyright law.

Can I use a free VPN to watch the 2024 Rugby World Cup?

Using a free VPN to watch the Rugby World Cup is not recommended. Free VPNs often have slow speeds, scarce servers, and limited bandwidth. A premium VPN with a trustworthy money-back guarantee is a more reliable option. Besides, free services sell your data to ad networks and other third parties.

Securely Watch the Rugby World Cup in Minutes

Staying secure and private online is essential. That’s why I highly recommend using a VPN to secure your Rugby World Cup streaming activity. To help you out, I found the best VPNs with UK servers that let you watch the Rugby games safely in HD. You won’t miss a moment of the action, and you’ll have ensured your personal information isn’t left vulnerable.

ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for the Rugby World Cup. Its fast speeds and solid server network ensure smooth streaming, even during high-demand matches. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for securely watching the Rugby World Cup...

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

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We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Anshul is a former vpnMentor writer and cybersecurity enthusiast, focusing on helping readers navigate the online world with peace of mind that their data and online identity will remain private.

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