- Watch Japan vs Ireland FREE on Rugby pass TV (USA) / Virgin Media Play (Ire) / ITVX (UK)
- Unlock your stream with NordVPN (save 75%)
- Saturday 11 July at 6.10 ET / 11.10 BST
Saturday’s Japan vs Ireland live stream in the 2026 Nations Championship sees two winning sides from the opening weekend go head-to-head at the neutral venue of the Newcastle International Sports Center in Australia.
Despite having no fewer than four debutants in their team against Italy last Saturday, the Brave Blossoms were the dominant force in a convincing 27-10 victory. Manager Eddie Jones really seems to know how to bring out the best in this side and under his leadership they always feel like a potential banana skin for fancier teams. They have only beaten the Men in Green once before, but it was a huge upset in front of a home crowd at Rugby World Cup 2019. Can they produce a late second?
Ireland were just minutes away from going into this game with an ‘L’ against their name after their opening match against Australia. A converted 76th minute try from unlikely goalscorer Tom Clarkson was followed up by a nerve-of-steel Sam Prendergast penalty to take a 2-point advantage into the final few minutes. They looked on with relief as the Wallabies’ Ben Donaldson missed one of his own.
Despite four other tries from Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier, Jamison Gibson-Park and Hugo Keenan, Ireland looked far from comfortable and Andy Farrell will be looking for a more galvanized display this time around.
Read on below for our guide to where to watch Japan vs Ireland on TV and get Nations Championship 2026 free streams online.
Watch Japan vs Ireland for FREE
This game – along with every other match in the 2026 Nations Championship – will be streamed alive and free across the US, UK and Ireland. The Japan vs Ireland live stream is set to be shown on:
🇺🇸 USA: Rugby pass TV
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: ITVX
🇮🇪 Ireland: Virgin Media Play
What if you are abroad? Rugby fans from the US, UK and Ireland can use NordVPN to watch their usual streaming service anywhere.
How to watch any Japan vs Ireland stream using a VPN
A VPN is a handy piece of software that can make your device look like it’s back in your home country, so you can unlock your usual streaming services. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with a 75% discount now.
🟩 NordVPN – get the world’s best VPN
Not having a VPN is like leaving your front door wide open in a busy city – anyone can walk right in and take a look.
TechRadar regularly reviews all the biggest and best VPN providers and NordVPN is our #1 choice.
✅ 75% off today
✅ 3 extra months free
✅ Unlocks Rugby pass TV, ITVX and Virgin Media Play
Get NordVPN and stream Japan vs Ireland anywhere.See offer
Using a VPN is incredibly simple:
1. Install VPN of your choice. As we have said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Select the location you want to connect to in the VPN app. For example, if you are visiting New Zealand and want to see your usual US service, select a US server from the list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Go to your usual local streaming service and watch the rugby.
How to watch Japan vs Ireland live streams in USA
Japan vs Ireland and all 2026 Nations Championship matches will be streamed live for FREE on Rugby pass TV in the United States.
The dedicated rugby streaming platform can be viewed on its website or mobile app and through Chromecast, Airplay, AppleTV and Android TV.
Outside US for Japan vs Ireland? Use NordVPN to access your usual streams.
How to watch Japan vs Ireland live streams in the UK
Rugby fans in the UK can watch Japan vs Ireland for free on ITV.
TV coverage for Japan vs Ireland is on ITV1 while you can also stream it live and on demand via it for free ITVX website and mobile app.
If you are outside the UK but want to take advantage of your usual coverage, check out NordVPN and follow the instructions above.
ITVX is a free service, although you must hold a valid UK TV license to watch its live streams, as this also covers consumption of digital content.
How to watch Japan vs Ireland live streams in Ireland
As mentioned above, all Nations Championship 2026 games will be on free-to-air television in Ireland.
Virgin Media One is showing Japan vs Ireland, meaning it will also be available to stream on Virgin Media Play platform.
Not in Ireland right now? Check out NordVPN.
How to watch Japan vs Ireland live streams in Australia
In Australia Japan vs Ireland will be on Stan Sports.
It costs $20 a month on top of a regular Stan plan that starts at $12 a month.
Away from Australia right now? Use a VPN to watch Stan Sport from abroad.
How to watch Japan vs Ireland live streams in New Zealand
Sky Sport is the holder of the Nations Championship 2026 television rights holder in New Zealand.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream included Sky Sports now subscription service starting at NZ$29.99 per day or NZ$59.99 per month, and see Japan vs. Ireland.
Missing the match between Japan and Ireland? NordVPN will give you access to your home streaming service.
What is the kick off time for Japan vs Ireland?
The scheduled kick-off time for Japan vs Ireland on Saturday 11th July is 20:10 AEST local time in Newcastle, Australia.
It’s 11.10 BST in the UK and 6.10 ET / 3.10 PT in the US.
Can I watch Japan vs Ireland on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access via mobile apps or via your phone’s browser. For example, ITVX, Rugbypass TV and Virgin Media Play all have dedicated apps.
We test and review VPN services for legitimate recreational use. For example: 1. Accessing a Service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that Service). 2. Protecting your online security and enhancing your online privacy when you’re abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid-for pirated content is neither endorsed nor endorsed by Future Publishing.
