From the frying pan to the fire. Wales were hammered 48–7 at the hands of England in their Six Nations opener and things could get a lot worse before they get better with tournament favorites France in town.
Twenty-five years after England recorded the biggest win in Six Nations history with an 80-23 annihilation of Italy, there are genuine concerns that France will set a new record – in Wales’ own backyard, no less. Welsh anxiety can be gauged in the 15,000+ tickets for this Round 2 fixture which reportedly remain unsold at the time of writing.
Incidentally, Wales’ heaviest ever Six Nations defeat came against England last year, by 14-68.
Les Bleus, the reigning champions, were the team that hit well before their 36-14 beatdown of Ireland, but what captured the imagination was the ease with which Fabien Galthié’s men sliced through their opponents. Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Matthieu Jalibert were the standouts, but France’s mesmerizing ball handling and passing patterns made it look like they were playing another sport. It’s worth remembering that all of Ireland’s points tally came in the garbage time.
On a relatively positive note for Wales head coach Steve Tandy, all things considered, Wales certainly cannot be as ill-disciplined as they were last weekend. They were reduced to 13 men not once but twice and Ben Thomas and Nicky Smith have been dropped as a result, with Rhys Carré and Joe Hawkins taking their places.
Read on below for our guide to where to watch Wales vs France on TV and get Six Nations 2026 free streams online.
Watch Wales vs France 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. Wales vs France is shown on:
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: BBC iPlayer & S4C
🇮🇪 Ireland: RTÉ is playing
What if you are abroad? Rugby fans from the UK and Ireland can use NordVPN to watch their usual streaming service anywhere.
How to watch any Wales vs France 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 it all and comes with a 74% discount and Amazon gift cards embedded on some plans.
How to watch Wales vs France live streams in USA
Wales vs France – and all 2026 Six Nations matches – will be live streamed on Peacock in the United States.
Subscriptions start from $10.99 per month (you need at least the Premium tier), and you’ll also be able to watch Premier League soccer and the Winter Olympics on the platform.
Outside USA for Wales vs France? Use NordVPN to access your usual streams.
How to watch Wales vs France 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.
TV coverage for Wales vs France is on BBC One, while you can also stream it live and on demand via it for free BBC iPlayer 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.
BBC iPlayer and S4C are free services, but to use them you need to hold a valid UK TV licence, as this also covers consumption of digital content.
How to watch Wales vs France live streams in Ireland
Every Six Nations 2026 game is free in Ireland.
RTÉ 2 shows Wales vs France, meaning it will also be available to stream on RTÉ is playing platform.
Not in Ireland right now? Check out NordVPN.
How to watch Wales vs France live streams in South Africa
Wales vs France will be televised on subscription service Super Sport.
You must use DStv access package to watch the Six Nations on SuperSport, with prices starting from R699 ($44) per month.
Abroad right now? Use one VPN to let your device know you’re back home and ready to go.
How to watch Wales vs France live streams in Australia
In Australia, Wales vs France is available to watch Stan Sports.
It costs $20 a month on top of a regular Stan subscription, which itself starts at $12 a month.
Away from Australia right now? Use a VPN to watch Stan Sport from abroad.
How to watch Wales vs France 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 catch a Wales vs France live stream with Sky Sports now subscription service, starting at $29.99 per day or $54.99 per month.
Are you missing the game due to work commitments abroad? NordVPN will give you access to your home streaming service.
How to watch Wales vs France in Japan
In Japan, Wales v France, along with every match in the 2026 Six Nations, will be streamed live on Wowow. Prices start at ¥2,530 ($16) per month.
Only visiting Japan? Take advantage of your free streams using a VPN-like NordVPN.
What is the start time for Wales vs France?
The match between Wales and France is scheduled to start at 10:10 a.m. ET / 7:10 a.m. PT / 3:10 p.m. GMT Sunday, February 15. It is at 02.10am AEDT Monday 16 February in Australia.
Can I watch Wales 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, BBC iPlayer, Peacock and RTÉ Player 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.
