Your Ultimate Guide to Watching the 2023 Rugby World Cup
The highly anticipated Rugby World Cup 2023 is set to kick off on September 8 and will run until October 28, producing thrilling matchups for rugby enthusiasts around the globe. With France as the host nation this year, fans are gearing up for the opening match between France and New Zealand, among many other exciting games to follow. This article aims to equip rugby fans with all the necessary information on how to watch the matches live, including free streaming options and the use of a reliable VPN.
Enjoy Free Streaming of the 2023 Rugby World Cup
For those eager to catch every moment of the Rugby World Cup without spending a dime, several countries will provide free access to the matches. Here’s a quick rundown:
- United Kingdom: All matches are available for free on ITV (ITVX).
- New Zealand: Viewers can watch all games live on Prime Video (Sky Open Channel), with six matches available live and another six with a 90-minute delay.
- Australia: Tune in to 9Now for complimentary coverage of every match, including the games involving the Australian team.
- Italy: Catch all of Italy’s matches and other key games on RAI, free of charge.
- France: In France, 20 matches are available for free on TF1 (MYTF1), excluding the France vs. Namibia game. Alternatively, you can watch ten matches for free on France TV, including that same game. M6 is also broadcasting 18 matches free of charge.
- Ireland: Virgin Media Player offers 24 matches, including key encounters like Ireland vs. Romania and Ireland vs. Scotland, all for free. Additionally, RTE provides 25 matches, including Ireland vs. Tonga and Ireland’s semi-final and final games.
- Germany: Viewers can access 35 out of 48 matches without charge on ProSieben MAXX and all matches, including the final, via Ran.de.
Are you wondering how to enjoy these offerings if you’re outside those countries? The answer lies in using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to circumvent geographical restrictions.
Stream the Rugby World Cup Anytime, Anywhere with a VPN
Due to geo-restrictions, accessing free streaming services can often feel challenging for rugby fans living in different countries. Many platforms restrict access to content based on user location. A robust VPN can help you easily bypass these restrictions, allowing you to stream the 2023 Rugby World Cup hassle-free.
Why Choose ExpressVPN?
After extensive research, we recommend ExpressVPN as a top choice for streaming geo-blocked content. Here are some of its standout features:
- Fast Speeds: With a user-friendly interface and superb download speeds, ExpressVPN offers an excellent streaming experience without annoying delays.
- Comprehensive Global Coverage: Spanning over 3,000 servers across 94 countries, it allows you to access various languages and content.
- Top-Notch Security: ExpressVPN employs AES-256 encryption and offers various protocols like Lightway and OpenVPN to ensure your data is secure.
- 24/7 Support: Get help whenever you need it with ExpressVPN’s dedicated customer support.
Steps to Start Watching with ExpressVPN
- Visit the ExpressVPN subscription page and choose a plan that suits your needs.
- Download the app for your mobile or desktop device.
- Install the application and open it.
- Select the country that corresponds with your desired streaming platform and enjoy the Rugby World Cup matches.
Upcoming Matches and Pool Stages for the 2023 Rugby World Cup
The Rugby World Cup features 20 teams, divided into four pools of five teams each:
- POOL A: France (Host), New Zealand, Italy, Uruguay, Namibia
- POOL B: South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, Romania
- POOL C: Wales, Australia, Fiji, Georgia, Portugal
- POOL D: England, Japan, Argentina, Samoa, Chile
The inaugural match will see France face New Zealand on September 8. New Zealand has a rich legacy in this tournament, having won three World Cups since its inception in 1987.
Notable Match Dates:
-
Quarter-Finals:
- Saturday, October 14 at Stade de Marseille (11:00 am EST)
- Saturday, October 14 at Stade de France (3:00 pm EST)
-
Semi-Finals:
- Friday, October 20 at Stade de France (3:00 pm EST)
- Saturday, October 21 at Stade de France (3:00 pm EST)
- Final:
- Saturday, October 28 at Stade de France (3:00 pm EST)
Premium Viewing Options for the 2023 Rugby World Cup
If you prefer premium viewing experiences or already subscribe to certain services, here are some alternative options based on your location:
- United States: NBC (Peacock) streams the event, starting at $5.99 per month. Sling TV Blue also provides coverage at around $40 per month.
- Canada: Multiple channels, including TSN and Bell Fibe TV, cover the event, with prices ranging from CAD 19.99 to CAD 76 per month.
- Australia: Stan Sports offers coverage for an additional AU$10 per month.
- New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ requires a subscription priced at NZD 40/month or NZD 400/year.
- Spain: Movistar Plus+ provides exclusive streaming for €14/month.
- Italy: Watching via Sky Sport – SKY TV + Sports costs €50/month.
Conclusion
Rugby enjoys widespread popularity across the globe, making the Rugby World Cup a must-watch event for dedicated fans. While many countries will stream the matches for free, employing a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN can provide you seamless access regardless of your location. So gear up for what promises to be another thrilling World Cup tournament!
This article is brought to you by Kape Technologies.