Six Nations 2026

How to Watch Six Nations Live Matches: Schedule, squads, news, streaming channels, more

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PureVPNSportsHow to Watch Six Nations Live Matches: Schedule, squads, news, streaming channels, more

The 2026 Six Nations is the world’s greatest rugby tournament, featuring England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. If you want to watch every try and tackle, finding a seamless Six Nations 2026 livestream is the best way to keep up with the latest squads and match news.

In the UK, you can watch the tournament for free. The BBC iPlayer is the official platform for streaming, especially for home games in Scotland and Wales. But it is regionally limited to the UK.

If you are in the US, your access will be limited. However, you can overcome this by using PureVPN. By connecting to a UK server via PureVPN, you will get a UK IP address, letting you access the BBC iPlayer and watch Six Nations 2026 livestream.

How to Watch Six Nations 2026 live on BBC Iplayer

You can watch six nations 2026 live stream for free on BBC Iplayer. You will just need to connect to a UK server using PureVPN to overcome regional content barriers.

Here is what to do:

  1. Subscribe to PureVPN.
  2. Download the app on your device.
  3. Connect to a UK server.
  4. Sign in to BBC Iplayer.
  5. Watch six nations 2026 live stream from anywhere.

Why Do You Need VPN to Watch Six Nations 2026 on BBC iPlayer

You need a VPN to watch six nations 2026 on BBC iPlayer if you’re outside the UK. BBC iPlayer is only available to viewers with a UK IP address because of strict broadcasting and licensing agreements. When you try to access the platform from outside the UK, you are always unable to access it.

With PureVPN, you can change your virtual location by connecting to a secure UK server. This gives you a UK IP address, making it appear as though you’re browsing from within the country. Once connected, you can access BBC iPlayer’s and watch Six Nations 2026 without interruptions.

How to Watch Six Nations 2026 Live on Mobile

To watch Six Nations 2026 on your mobile device, simply download the BBC iPlayer mobile app, available for free on both the iOS App Store and Google Play. The app provides a seamless live streaming experience, allowing you to watch every BBC-broadcast match, including Scotland and Wales home fixtures, in HD.

If you are traveling outside the UK, you may find the app is inaccessible due to regional limitations. You can resolve this by using PureVPN to connect to a UK server. This will change your IP address, allowing you to overcome these barriers and access the BBC iPlayer app just as you would at home.

How to Watch Six Nations Rugby 2026 Worldwide

These are some other streaming channels, where you can stream and watch six nations 2026 live.

How to Watch Six Nations 2026 in New Zealand

Sky-sports

In New Zealand, you can watch Six Nations 2026 live on Sky Sport NZ, the official broadcaster for the tournament. Sky Sport provides full match coverage, expert analysis, and replays, so you won’t miss any of the action.

If you’re traveling outside New Zealand during the tournament, Sky Go will not be accessible due to regional broadcast restrictions. You can still watch Six Nations 2026 by using PureVPN to connect to a New Zealand server. This gives you a New Zealand IP address, so you can securely access your Sky Sport NZ coverage just like you would at home.

How to Watch Six Nations 2026 in the UK

In the UK, you can enjoy the Six Nations 2026 coverage on the BBC iPlayer. The BBC shares the broadcasting rights with ITV, focusing specifically on all Scottish and Welsh home fixtures. By using the BBC iPlayer, you can stream matches live or on demand on your smart TV, laptop, or mobile device. You just need a free account and a valid UK TV license to watch in the UK.

If you are traveling outside the UK, you will find that the BBC iPlayer is regionally inaccessible. You can easily bypass these limitations by using PureVPN to connect to a UK server. This masks your local IP address and provides you with a UK IP address, allowing you to watch Watch Six Nations 2026 in the UK

How to Watch Six Nations 2026 in Ireland

In Ireland, you can watch the 2026 Six Nations for free through a shared broadcasting agreement between RTÉ and Virgin Media. RTÉ provides extensive live coverage on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player, ensuring you can stream every match on your TV, laptop, or smartphone. Alongside the live games, RTÉ features in-depth analysis from a panel of experts and the return of the Against The Head highlights show on Monday nights.

If you are outside the region and want to keep up with the Irish broadcast, you can use PureVPN to connect to a Ireland server. By doing so, you can access the RTÉ Player as if you were in Ireland and Watch Six Nations 2026 in Ireland.

How to Watch Six Nations 2026 in South Africa

In South Africa, the 2026 Six Nations is broadcast exclusively on SuperSport. As the primary home for rugby in the region, SuperSport provides comprehensive live coverage of every match. You can watch the action on your TV via DStv or stream it live through the DStv Stream app, which allows you to catch the games on your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV.

If you are traveling outside South Africa or simply prefer to access the UK’s free-to-air feeds, PureVPN is the best solution. By connecting to its South African server, you can access your DStv subscription from abroad. Alternatively, you can connect to a UK server to access the BBC iPlayer and watch Six Nations 2026 in South Africa for free.

Six Nations Rugby 2026 Preview

The Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2026 kicks off February 5 and runs through March 14, featuring England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales in the annual northern hemisphere rugby showdown.

The £12 million prize pool rewards champions with £3.7 million, plus £800,000 Grand Slam bonus, while all participants receive guaranteed payments

The Six Nations is back for another year with the home nations and continental contenders aiming to get off to a good start across Europe. Reigning champions France enter the competition as favourites to defend their title, but England are the form team, currently enjoying an 11-match undefeated streak.

Ireland are less fancied in 2026 than previous years despite the return of coach Andy Farrell, who missed last year’s tournament due to leading the British & Irish Lions.

Six Nations 2026 schedule

DateMatchVenue
Feb 5France vs IrelandStade de France
Feb 7Italy vs ScotlandStadio Olimpico
Feb 7England vs WalesAllianz Arena
Feb 14Ireland vs ItalyAviva Stadium
Feb 14Scotland vs EnglandScottish Gas Murrayfield
Feb 15Wales vs FrancePrincipality Stadium
Feb 21England vs IrelandAllianz Stadium
Feb 21Wales vs ScotlandPrincipality Stadium
Feb 22France vs ItalyStade Pierre Mauroy
Mar 6Ireland vs WalesAviva Stadium
Mar 7Scotland vs FranceScottish Gas Murrayfield
Mar 7Italy vs EnglandStadio Olimpico
Mar 14Ireland vs ScotlandAviva Stadium
Mar 14Wales vs ItalyPrincipality Stadium
Mar 14France vs EnglandStade de France

Six Nations 2026 – Squad Overview (Round 1)

All six nations have named their initial squads for the opening round of the Six Nations. Here’s the quick snapshot of each team:

England

  • Captain: Maro Itoje
  • A powerful, athletic forward pack with Curry, Earl, and Genge leading the physical battle
  • Backs blend experience (Ford, Daly, Slade) with exciting pace like Feyi-Waboso and Arundell
  • Marcus Smith and George Ford give them two strong playmaking options

Vibe: Balanced squad with power up front and speed out wide

France

  • Star name: Antoine Dupont
  • Big, physical pack featuring Baille, Flament, Ollivon, and Meafou
  • Dangerous, creative backs with Jalibert, Ramos, and Bielle-Biarrey
  • Typical French mix of structure + flair

Vibe: Explosive and unpredictable, loaded with game-breakers

Ireland

  • Captain: Caelan Doris
  • Core of the squad comes from Leinster, giving strong club chemistry
  • Leaders like Beirne, Furlong, Ringrose, and Lowe provide big-game experience
  • Gibson-Park and Crowley/Byrne steer play at halfback

Vibe: Cohesive, structured, and tactically sharp

Italy

  • Captain: Michele Lamaro
  • Young, improving squad with a hardworking pack
  • Creative spark in the backs through Garbisi, Menoncello, and Ioane
  • Continuing to build depth and confidence

Vibe: Energetic underdogs who are getting tougher every year

Scotland

  • Captain: Sione Tuipulotu
  • Strong Glasgow core in the forwards
  • Finn Russell pulls the strings at fly-half
  • Electric outside backs like Duhan van der Merwe and Blair Kinghorn

Vibe: Attacking threat with flair and long-range strike power

Wales

  • Captain: Dewi Lake
  • Mix of home-based and overseas players
  • Young backs blended with experienced names like Adams and Rees-Zammit
  • Forward pack rebuilding but physical

Vibe: Transition phase, but still dangerous with ball in hand

Six Nations Past Winners

England and France are tied with seven Six Nations titles, although France and Wales have the most Grand Slams (winning every game), with four each.

  • 2025: France
  • 2024: Ireland
  • 2023: Ireland (grand slam)
  • 2022: France (grand slam)
  • 2021: Wales
  • 2020: England

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch Six Nations 2026 live in the UK?

You can watch Six Nations 2026 live in the UK on BBC iPlayer and ITVX, as both broadcasters share tournament coverage.

Can I stream Six Nations 2026 for free?

Yes, you can stream selected Six Nations 2026 matches for free on BBC iPlayer in the UK with a valid TV licence.

Which devices support Six Nations 2026 streaming on BBC iPlayer?

You can watch Six Nations 2026 on BBC iPlayer using smart TVs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, PlayStation, Xbox, and streaming sticks.

Will replays of Six Nations 2026 matches be available?

Yes, replays and highlights of Six Nations 2026 matches will be available on BBC iPlayer after live broadcasts.

Can I watch Six Nations 2026 on mobile devices?

Yes, You can watch six nations 2026 on mobile devices.

Is Six Nations 2026 available in HD on BBC iPlayer?

Yes, many Six Nations 2026 matches streamed on BBC iPlayer will be available in HD, depending on your internet speed and device.

Are highlights of Six Nations 2026 available on BBC iPlayer?

Yes, BBC iPlayer will provide match highlights and key moments from Six Nations 2026 games it broadcasts.

Which teams are playing in Six Nations 2026?

The teams in Six Nations 2026 are England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.

Where are Six Nations 2026 matches played?

Six Nations 2026 matches are held in the home stadiums of the participating nations across England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.

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