How to Watch the Rugby World Cup 2024 — Live Streaming
With the Rugby World Cup in full swing, a VPN ensures you won't miss any of the action while traveling. But not every VPN works well for watching live sports like Rugby; some can be very slow and buffer in between the game.
My team and I tested 35 providers, and I've listed the best VPNs to enjoy every scrum, pass, and kick in real-time. With servers worldwide, you can access the official RWC broadcasters from anywhere.
ExpressVPN is my top choice — it's impressively fast for uninterrupted live streaming and has servers in every RWC region. 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 get a refund.
Quick Guide: How to Watch the Rugby World Cup With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN due to its fast speeds that allow for smooth live Rugby streaming. Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Connect to a server. Select a server in an authorized RWC streaming region. For instance, connect to the UK to watch rugby via ITVX.
- Start watching. Enjoy access to the Rugby World Cup 2023 on your preferred streaming platform.
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:
| 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 Sport | 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 |
Best VPNs to Watch the Rugby World Cup From Anywhere in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — Excellent Speeds for Streaming the Rugby World Cup Without Buffering
| Best Feature | 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 to quickly bypass geoblocks |
| Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more |
ExpressVPN was the fastest VPN I tested for watching live rugby matches uninterrupted. The streamlined proprietary Lightway protocol ensures faster speeds for high-quality streaming. When I connected to a UK server to watch the RWC on ITVX, my speed only dropped 7% from 112Mbps to 105Mbps. I didn’t experience a single instance of buffering.
Its huge server network lets you effortlessly access a location where the Rugby World Cup is broadcast. This abundance of servers also prevents overcrowding, ensuring you never miss any thrilling match action.
While plans can be costly, the service frequently offers discounts and promotions. For instance, I saved 49% on the 12-month plan for a final price of only $6.67/month, and I also got an extra 3 free months of subscription thrown in.
Plus, every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're unsatisfied, reach out to customer support for a full refund. I tested this by using the 24/7 live chat. They quickly processed my refund, and within 3 days, my money was returned to my PayPal account.
Useful Features
- Smart DNS. Once set up, this lets you stream RWC content on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like older smart TVs and gaming consoles.
- Instant Setup. Setting up ExpressVPN is effortless on Windows, Mac, or mobile. It took me just 3 minutes to install and connect to a server.
- Split Tunneling. You can choose which apps use the VPN connection and which don’t, so you can use your local apps and the VPN for streaming at the same time.
- 8 Simultaneous Connections. You can share a single ExpressVPN subscription across multiple devices, ideal for family members streaming on other screens.
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers to Easily Watch the Rugby World Cup
| Best Feature | Streaming-optimized servers deliver optimal performance for watching Rugby matches |
| Speeds | 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 one to reliably access rugby games |
| Compatible with | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more |
CyberGhost's specialized streaming servers guarantee uninterrupted Rugby World Cup action. Their regularly tested and updated ITV UK optimized server offered me smooth streaming without disruptions. Accessing it is simple: open the app, choose For streaming, and search for your preferred platform.
Installing the VPN on my devices was easy. Its user-friendly apps across popular platforms share a consistent interface and there’s no need to navigate settings — just connect and enjoy the match.
Nearby servers had impressive speeds, but there was a noticeable drop with distant ones. That said, the overall speed was sufficient for UHD streaming without buffering.
With plans starting at $2.03/month, CyberGhost provides excellent value, especially for longer terms. You can try it risk-free using the 45-day money-back guarantee if you're unsure.
Useful Features
- Ad Blocker. CyberGhost's ad blocker keeps pesky pop-ups away, allowing you to focus solely on the rugby action.
- 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. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Extensive Network to Access the RWC From Anywhere
| Best Feature | Its vast server network makes it easy to find an RWC broadcasting region closest to you |
| Speeds | 18% speed drop is fast enough for HD streaming |
| Server Network | 29,650 servers in 90 countries, ideal for global RWC coverage |
| Compatible with | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more |
PIA offers an extensive server network for streaming the Rugby World Cup anywhere. All of its servers support 10Gbps bandwidth, allowing for smooth connections. Just pick a desired region and start streaming the RWC action.
Although not as fast as ExpressVPN or CyberGhost, PIA provided decent speeds in my tests — 92Mbps on a 112Mbps connection (an 18% speed drop). With only 5Mbps needed for HD streaming, you can enjoy uninterrupted rugby matches.
The VPN's numerous customization options might confuse beginners. However, PIA is pre-configured, letting you jump into rugby action immediately after installation without needing to adjust anything.
PIA's plans start at $2.03/month, making it highly affordable. You can also try it risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee.
Useful Features
- MACE. PIA's ad and tracker blocker keeps your streaming interruption-free.
- WireGuard. This protocol balances speed and security for a swift and safe online experience.
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections. You can connect unlimited devices at once, ideal for large households and families.
Why You Need a VPN to Watch the Rugby World Cup
The Rugby World Cup’s broadcasters have exclusive rights to air the matches in specific regions. Due to licensing agreements, streaming platforms check your IP address and restrict access if it’s not from a relevant region.
A VPN disguises your IP address, making it seem like you’re in another region. It does this by rerouting your internet traffic through private servers, allowing access to streaming services as if you were in that country.
Watch the Rugby World Cup in Minutes
Many VPNs promise access to geo-restricted streams, but often fail due to slow speeds and unreliable servers. I've tested the top VPNs that can consistently access global Rugby streaming platforms, ensuring you catch every Rugby World Cup moment.
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 it risk-free.
