Watch a free Rugby World Cup live stream
Rugby World Cup 2023 is free to watch on ITV and ITVX in the UK. Fans can also watch every game for free via RTÉ and Virgin Media in Ireland. Channel 9 is showing select games for free in Australia, while select games are free-to-air on SABC in South Africa. Use a VPN to watch your preferred Rugby World Cup feed from anywhere, if you're away from home.
Round three of France 2023 fixtures is nearly done with two matches left to play today. First up it's Scotland vs Tonga in Pool B and the final RWC 2023 match of the weekend sees Pool C leaders Wales take on the Wallabies. The Aussies will need a big result to prevent an embarrassing early exit.
- FREE: ITVX (UK – all games)
- FREE: RTÉ and Virgin Media (Ireland – all games)
- FREE: 9Now (Australia – select games)
- USA: Peacock TV
- Watch your local stream from abroad with ExpressVPN
Rugby World Cup: 2023 preview
With two nations that have never laid hands on the Webb Ellis Cup the standout favourites, the 2023 Rugby World Cup is shaping up to be an historic occasion, and it begins right now! There's a sense that hosts France or the No.1-ranked team in the world Ireland could be about to finally have their moment... or they could suffer their most painful World Cup campaign yet.
Wales can count themselves incredibly lucky that the draw took place in December 2020, based on the world rankings from January of that year – if it had been made now, Warren Gatland’s men would have been thrown to the lions. Instead, they’ve landed in what looks like the friendliest pool of them all, Australia being the only genuine top-tier team in Pool C.
The three other pools, on the other hand, each have a claim to being the Group of Death. The strongest of these claims belongs to Pool B, which features Six Nations champions Ireland, reigning World Cup champions South Africa, and the strongest Scotland team in a generation, ranked at No.5 in the world.
Pool A doesn't look too friendly either, with hosts and the world's No.2-ranked team France sharing the same patch of land as the All Blacks and an Italy team that's come close to upsetting France, Ireland and Scotland this year.
Pool D is turning out to be intriguing with England the top dogs despite their inauspicious World Cup warm-ups. Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola have both returned to the team which is now looking on for an easier route through the knockouts.
Argentina, meanwhile, have become one of the world's most watchable sides under Michael Cheika, and Japan are hoping to take the next step after their best-ever showing at a Rugby World Cup. All games are free to watch in the UK and Ireland. Here's how to watch a Rugby World Cup live stream from anywhere.
Rugby World Cup free live streams
Viewers in the UK can stream every game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup for free via ITVX. That's also the case in Ireland, with RTÉ and Virgin Media Player sharing live broadcast duties
Outside of the UK or Ireland? Use a VPN to access any local stream from abroad. We recommend ExpressVPN as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Not used a VPN before? It's easy. Here's our step-by-step guide...
Watch a Rugby World Cup 2023 live stream from anywhere
You won't be able to watch your regular Rugby World Cup 2023 live stream while traveling abroad. The streaming service will spot that you're in a foreign country and block you. You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, though.
It's a straightforward piece of software that sets your device to appear as if it's in the right country, allowing you to watch any Rugby World Cup live stream from anywhere in the world.
We rate ExpressVPN as the best VPN for rugby fans. It offers a 30-day guarantee for all your money back if you're not happy with the service.
How to use a VPN for Rugby World Cup 2023
Using a VPN to watch Rugby World Cup 2023 is incredibly easy:
1. Install the VPN of your choice. ExpressVPN is the one we recommend – we've used it for years and it's always reliable.
2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access. For the Rugby World Cup, you may wish to choose 'UK' for ITVX.
3. Then head over to ITVX on your browser or device and enjoy the free Rugby World Cup live stream.
Watch Rugby World Cup 2023 in the UK
ITV holds the rights to the tournament in the UK, which means you can also live stream every Rugby World Cup 2023 match for free on the ITVX website or mobile app (live and on catch up).
S4C, meanwhile, is offering Welsh-language coverage of the opening game, every Wales game, and the final. Travelling outside the UK?
Use a VPN to unblock ITVX and watch free from anywhere.
Watch Rugby World Cup 2023 for FREE in Ireland
You can watch every match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup live stream free in Ireland too, with free-to-air networks RTÉ and Virgin Media sharing live broadcast duties.
Stream every game live via either RTÉ Player or Virgin Media Player, with both services available across a wide range of devices.
Don't forget: You can live stream every match free of charge while abroad with a good rugby VPN.
Watch Rugby World Cup 2023 for FREE in Australia
There's also free Rugby World Cup 2023 coverage in Australia, with Channel 9 and 9Now showing every Wallabies match, plus the final. Travelling outside Australia?
Use VPN to unblock 9Now and watch the Rugby World Cup from anywhere
Streaming service Stan Sport, meanwhile, has the rights to show every match of the tournament ad-free.
To begin with, there's a Stan 30-day free trial. After that, you choose your base package, starting from AU$10, and the necessary sport add-on costs AU$15 a month on top (so, from $25 a month in total).
Watch Rugby World Cup 2023 in the USA
Every match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup is available to watch in the US via Peacock TV.
Peacock starts at $5.99 a month for its ad-supported tier, which will also give you access to a wide range of live sports including EPL soccer, WWE, Premiership Rugby and more.
The Peacock TV app is available on iOS, Apple TV, Android, Android TV, Chromecast, LG smart TV, Vizio TV, PS4, and Xbox One. You can also watch through your web browser.
Of course, Peacock TV is only available within the States so be sure to use a rugby-friendly VPN if you're a subscriber stuck abroad.
A selection of games will also be aired on CNBC on cable with two quarter finals, the final and Ireland vs Scotland also on NBC. Full list of cable games here.
Watch Rugby World Cup 2023 in New Zealand
Kiwis can watch Rugby World Cup 2023 action courtesy of Sky Sport, which is available as part of a range of pay TV packages.
If you're a subscriber you'll also be able to watch online using the country's Sky Go service.
If you're looking to cut the cords, you can try the Sky Sport Now streaming-only platform - where a pass costs $24.99 per week or $44.99 per month. Or you could try the Rugby World Cup Pass on Sky Sports for $89.99 which includes full access to Sky Sport & ESPN from 4 September – 3 November.
Don't forget: UK nationals can live stream every match for free while abroad with a VPN.
Rugby World Cup 2023 live stream in South Africa
Super Sport is the place to watch every 2023 Rugby World Cup match in South Africa but a late, late deal means that South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will now be airing all Springboks games for free as well as a selection of other matches. Keep your eyes on SABC Plus for details.
For those signed up to Super Sport, if you can't watch on your TV, you can also tune in via the network's streaming service for PC and Mac, as well as via SuperSport's dedicated app.
Watch Rugby World Cup 2023 in Canada
You can watch the 2023 Rugby World Cup unfold on TSN in Canada.
If you don't have the channel on cable, you can either sign up to the new TSN Plus streaming service for $8 per month (+ tax) or $80 per year (+ tax), or subscribe to TSN for streaming-only for $19.99 a month or $199.90 per year.
Don't forget: UK nationals can live stream every match free of charge while abroad with a VPN.
Rugby World Cup 2023 pool tables
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points Difference | Bonus Points | Points |
| France | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 125 | 1 | 13 |
| Italy | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 65 | 2 | 10 |
| New Zealand | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 54 | 1 | 5 |
| Uruguay | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | –36 | 0 | 0 |
| Namibia | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | –208 | 0 | 0 |
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points Difference | Bonus Points | Points |
| Ireland | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 122 | 2 | 14 |
| South Africa | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 86 | 2 | 10 |
| Scotland | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | –15 | 0 | 0 |
| Tonga | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | –43 | 0 | 0 |
| Romania | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | –150 | 0 | 0 |
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points Difference | Bonus Points | Points |
| Wales | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 2 | 10 |
| Fiji | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
| Australia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 2 | 6 |
| Georgia | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | –20 | 0 | 2 |
| Portugal | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | –20 | 0 | 2 |
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points Difference | Bonus Points | Points |
| England | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 110 | 2 | 14 |
| Samoa | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 24 | 1 | 5 |
| Japan | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 5 |
| Argentina | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | –8 | 0 | 4 |
| Chile | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | –134 | 0 | 0 |
Rugby World Cup 2023 tickets
Rugby World Cup 2023 tickets have been flying off the shelves, but not all games are sold out at the time of writing, and some tickets are available via resale.
You can purchase them from the official 2023 Rugby World Cup website.
Which team has won the most Rugby World Cups?
Who else? New Zealand and South Africa are the joint-most successful teams in Rugby World Cup history, having lifted the Webb Ellis Cup three times apiece. They've also won all of the last four tournaments between them.
Two-time champions Australia and England are the only other teams to have tasted Rugby World Cup glory, while France have reached three finals and lost them all.
Who's in the England 2023 Rugby World Cup squad?
Forwards (23):
Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons, 6 caps)
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 100 caps)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 45 caps)
Theo Dan (Saracens, uncapped)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 14 caps)
Ben Earl (Saracens, 15 caps)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 48 caps)
Jamie George (Saracens, 77 caps)
Jonny Hill (Sale Sharks, 19 caps)
Maro Itoje (Saracens, 67 caps)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 97 caps)
Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints, 19 caps)
Joe Marler (Harlequins, 79 caps)
George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 1 cap)
Tom Pearson (London Irish, uncapped)
Val Rapava-Ruskin (Gloucester Rugby, uncapped)
David Ribbans (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 61 caps)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 25 caps)
Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 29 caps)
Jack Willis (Toulouse, 10 caps)
Tom Willis (Bordeaux Bègles, uncapped)
Backs (18)
Henry Arundell (London Irish, 7 caps)
Danny Care (Harlequins, 87 caps)
Joe Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby, 14 caps)
Elliot Daly (Saracens, 57 caps)
Owen Farrell (Saracens, 106 caps)
George Ford (Sale Sharks, 81 caps)
Max Malins (Saracens, 18 caps)
Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 15 caps)
Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 72 caps)
Cadan Murley (Harlequins, uncapped)
Guy Porter (Leicester Tigers, 4 caps)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 56 caps)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 21 caps)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 22 caps)
Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 51 caps)
Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 12 caps)
Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers, 55 caps)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 122 caps)
Rehabilitation (5)
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 9 caps)
Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 11 caps)
Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 79 caps)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 68 caps)
Jack Walker (Harlequins, 3 caps)
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