Thursday’s France v Ireland live stream kicks off the 2026 Six Nations in style as the final two winners clash in Paris in what could be the match that ultimately decides this year’s championship.
France got the better of the encounter in Dublin last year as eventual player of the tournament Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored twice to set up a convincing 42-27 victory for Les Bleus. That was despite an injury to captain Antoine Dupont after half an hour – the talismanic captain will be determined to last the full 80 minutes this time and lead his side to an opening triumph in front of more than 80,000 at the Stade de France.
After two championships on the trot, the Men in Green had to settle for third place last year, and it has been a relative struggle for them ever since. They were comfortably beaten by New Zealand and South Africa in the Autumn Internationals and now have to do without Bundee Aki for disciplinary reasons. Andy Farrell will be keen for his side to get back up to speed here and start to build momentum towards next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Read on below for our guide to where to watch France vs Ireland on TV and get Six Nations 2026 free streams online.
Watch France vs Ireland for FREE
This game – along with every other match in the 2026 Six Nations – will be streamed alive and free across the UK and Ireland. The France vs Ireland live stream is set to be shown on:
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: ITVX
🇮🇪 Ireland: Virgin Media Play
🇫🇷 France: France TV
What if you are abroad? Rugby fans from the UK, Ireland and France can use NordVPN to watch their usual streaming service anywhere.
How to watch any France 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 service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with a 74% discount.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in USA
France vs Ireland – and all 2026 Six Nations matches – will be streamed live on Peacock in the United States.
Peacock TV subscriptions start from $10.99 a month (you need at least the Premium level), and you’ll also be able to catch Premier League football on the platform and the Super Bowl 2026.
Outside US for France vs Ireland? Use NordVPN to access your usual streams.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in the UK
As always, rugby fans in the UK can watch the Six Nations for FREE – both on traditional TV and online.
France vs Ireland TV coverage 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.
ITV is a free service, but to use it you must hold a valid UK TV licence, as this also covers consumption of digital content.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in Ireland
As mentioned above, all Six Nations 2026 games will be on free-to-air television in Ireland.
Virgin Media 1 shows France 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 live streams of France vs Ireland in South Africa
France vs Ireland will be televised on subscription service Super Sport.
You must have one DStv access package to watch the Six Nations on SuperSport with prices starting at R99 ($5.66) per month.
Abroad right now? Just use a VPN and tell your device that you are back home and ready to go.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in Australia
In Australia, France 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. Although right now you can get $10 off the sports underwear for your first month (promo ends 09/02).
Away from Australia right now? Use a VPN to watch Stan Sport from abroad.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in New Zealand
Sky Sports NZ is the Six Nations 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 starts at $29.99 per day or $54.99 per month and watch France vs Ireland.
Missing a game due to work commitments abroad? NordVPN will give you access to your home streaming service.
How to watch France vs Ireland in Japan
In Japan, every match in the 2026 Six Nations, including France vs Ireland, will be streamed live on Wowow. Prices start at ¥2,530 ($16) per month for their streaming service.
Visiting Japan for France vs Ireland? Take advantage of your free streams using a VPN like NordVPN.
What is the kick-off time for France vs Ireland?
For the first time in the tournament’s history, a Six Nations match will take place on a Thursday.
The scheduled kick-off time for France vs Ireland on Thursday 5th February is 21.10 local time in Paris, which is 20:10 GMT in the UK and 3:10 PM ET/12:10 PM PT in the US.
Can I watch France 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, Peacock and VM Play all have dedicated apps.
You can also keep up to date with all things Six Nations on the official social media channels at X (@SixNations), YouTube (@Men’sSixNations) and Instagram (@SixNationsRugby).
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 are 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.
