Where to Watch Rugby in
Streaming in the United States
On TV: CBS, CBS Sports Network.
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International
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How Rugby Fans Watch the Big International Tournaments
This page brings together the two headline events of international rugby union in 2027: the Six Nations, played every February and March, and the Rugby World Cup, which Australia stages in October and November. Rights for both are in our data for the 2027 season, so the country table shows who holds each one where you live.
Broadcasting still follows the game's heartlands. Britain, Ireland, France and Germany keep their big international weekends on free channels such as ITV, the BBC, RTÉ, France Télévisions, TF1 and ProSieben, with ITVX, BBC iPlayer and Joyn for streaming. Australia leans on Stan Sport, which streams both tournaments, while New Zealand fans need Sky Sport for either one.
Elsewhere a few regional broadcasters do most of the work. SuperSport and DStv Stream carry both events in 51 African countries, with GOtv adding the World Cup, which is why those names top the list of rugby broadcasters here. ESPN and Disney+ cover Latin America, from the Pumas' supporters in Argentina to fans in Mexico and Chile. STARZPLAY streams both tournaments across North Africa and the Gulf, and Asia is split between Premier Sports, Sony and beIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch rugby for free?
Free rugby is easiest to find in Europe. ITV shows every World Cup match and shares the Six Nations with the BBC, with ITVX and BBC iPlayer streaming at no cost. In Ireland the Six Nations is shared by RTÉ and Virgin Media Television, TF1 and France Télévisions cover France, and Germany gets both on ProSieben channels and Joyn. For the World Cup, CBS in the US and Nine in Australia add free matches too.
Which streaming service carries the most rugby?
DStv Stream, by reach. It streams both the Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup across 51 African countries, alongside SuperSport on TV. Disney+ follows with ESPN's coverage in 44 countries, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina among them. In a single country the answer shifts: Peacock and Paramount+ split the two tournaments in the US, and Stan Sport has both in Australia.
What channel shows rugby in South Africa?
SuperSport, on DStv satellite, with DStv Stream for phones and laptops. It holds both 2027 tournaments, and GOtv adds World Cup matches for viewers on that platform. The same set-up runs in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and Tanzania, so a fan in Lagos or Nairobi follows the same channels as one in Cape Town.
How can I stream rugby in the US?
Use Peacock for the Six Nations and Paramount+ for the Rugby World Cup. Paramount+ streams all 52 World Cup matches, while CBS airs a selection free over the air and CBS Sports Network adds others for cable viewers. Because the two tournaments sit with different companies, one subscription will not cover both.
Is rugby on TV in India?
Yes, with a different broadcaster for each tournament. Premier Sports streams the Six Nations in India, and the same service covers Pakistan and much of Southeast Asia. For the Rugby World Cup, Sony Sports Network has the TV rights and SonyLIV streams the games, with Sony also showing the tournament on TV in Pakistan.
Who shows rugby in Latin America and the Middle East?
ESPN on TV and Disney+ online, for both tournaments, from Brazil and Mexico to Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru. Across the Arab world, the streaming service STARZPLAY carries both tournaments for fans in Cairo, Casablanca, Riyadh, Dubai and the wider region.
How long does a rugby match last on TV?
Play lasts 80 minutes, split into two halves of 40, with a half-time break of up to 15 minutes. Injuries, scrum resets and video reviews stretch the clock further, so once the build-up is included a broadcast slot for a test match often runs close to two hours.
Can I watch rugby on my phone or smart TV?
Yes. DStv Stream, Disney+, Peacock, Paramount+, Stan Sport, ITVX and BBC iPlayer all have phone apps, and most also run on smart TVs and streaming sticks. Sign in with the same account on each screen. Keep in mind that the free UK apps only play inside the UK.
How can I watch my usual rugby service while traveling?
Connect through a VPN to the country where you subscribed. Rugby apps check where you are, so Stan Sport or Sky Sport Now may refuse to play on a trip abroad; with the VPN set to Australia or New Zealand they behave as they do at home, and NordVPN keeps the picture sharp enough for 4K. Our VPN guide compares six options.