How to Watch the Rugby World Cup 2023 — Live Streaming

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 >>

Best VPNs to Watch the Rugby World Cup Privately in 2024

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

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

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

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.

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 $4.99/month. But ExpressVPN frequently offers great deals; I was able to get a discount of 61% 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.

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

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

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.

You 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.

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

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

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.

The 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.

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.

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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