Japan hosts France on Matchday 3 of the Nations Championship 2026 as two teams with a win and a defeat so far in the Southern Hemisphere series meeting in Tokyo. Fabien Galthie has changed the front row as Les Bleus look to head into the holiday season with a positive win.
However, Eddie Jones would love nothing more than to bloody the nose of a bigger boy. The Brave Blossoms opened the tournament with an impressive 27-10 win over Italy before a 36-20 loss to Ireland last weekend where the Asian side performed well. Fly-half Ryunosuke Ito will once again start with his boot key to Japan performing at the top of many kicking metrics in this tournament.
For France, Galthie has brought Regis Montagne, Maxime Lamothe and Jefferson Poirot into the front row after declaring his displeasure with the pack in the 42-26 drubbing of Australia last weekend. Although Les Bleus came close to beating New Zealand on the opening weekend, they will have expected to have come out better with a win and a defeat. Maxime Lucu has impressed at scrum-half in Antoine Dupont’s absence. Matthieu Jalibert is a full-back.
Read on as we explain how to watch Japan v France for free in the 2026 Nations Championship.
Can you watch Japan vs France for free?
Yes. Japan vs France is shown on free-to-air Rugby pass TV in the United States, at ITVX in the UK and beyond Virgin Media Play in Ireland.
Are you traveling abroad right now? You can use one VPN to watch Japan vs France for free as if you were at home.
Use a VPN to watch Japan vs France live streams
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 up to 75% off.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in USA
Japan vs France, along with all 42 Nations Championship matches, are available to live stream for FREE on Rugby pass TV in the United States.
You can tune in via the Rugbypass TV website or app, and it works with Chromecast, Airplay, Apple TV and Android TV.
Outside the US? Use one VPN while traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in the UK
In the UK, Japan vs France is free-to-air on ITV1with live streaming available via ITVX.
All you need is an account, a TV license and a UK postcode (eg HA9 0WS). Register here!
If you’re outside the UK but still want to tune in, go explore The VPN route above which will help you access your accounts anywhere.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in Ireland
Japan vs France is free-to-air on Virgin Media Play platform in Ireland.
You need an account to watch this stream.
Outside of Ireland? You will have to download a VPNas described above, to take advantage of your free Nations Championship stream from abroad.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in Australia
In Australia, Japan vs France is exclusive to Stan Sports.
Stan Sport costs AU$20/month on top of a Stan subscription, which itself starts at AU$12/month.
Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN-like NordVPN to watch the action as if you were back home.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Sky Sports NZ shows the match between Japan and France.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream included Sky Sport Now subscription service starting at NZ$29.99 per day or NZ$59.99 per month.
Those outside New Zealand for any part of the Nations Championship can use NordVPN to access their home streaming service.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in South Africa
The match between Japan and France is shown on Super sports in South Africa.
You need one DStv access package to watch the Nations Championship, with prices starting at Rs99/month for the streaming version.
Abroad right now? Just use a VPN and tell your device that you are back home and ready to go.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in Canada
In Canada, Japan vs. France is shown next Premier Sports.
A monthly pass costs CA$29.99. You’ll need either the CA$79.99 six-month pass or the CA$139.99/year annual subscription to tune into the entire tournament.
If you’re out of Canada but still want to catch the action, explore The VPN route above which will help you access your accounts anywhere.
What is the kick off time for Japan vs France?
The scheduled kick-off time for Japan v France on Saturday 18th July is 5.40pm JST local time in Tokyo, which is 1.40am PT / 4.40am ET / 9.40am BST / 6.40pm AEST.
What is head to head between Japan and France?
France have won seven of their eight previous meetings with Japan. There has been a raffle.
In Japan, the head-to-head is 2-0 to France.
Can I watch Japan vs France 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, Rugbypass TV, ITVX, BBC iPlayer 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 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.
