Six Nations 2026: TV Channels, Live Streams & How to Watch Worldwide

The 2026 Six Nations rugby tournament is set to begin this week, captivating fans worldwide. This prestigious competition, featuring six northern hemisphere national teams, will unfold over five weekends, commencing on Thursday, February 5th and culminating on Saturday, March 14th, with the crowning of the champions.

A Fiercely Competitive Field

France currently holds the title as reigning champions and are expected to be strong contenders once again. However, England and Ireland are poised to be formidable rivals, having narrowly missed out on bonus points in the previous year. While a Scottish victory would be considered a significant upset, Italy is no longer viewed as an easy opponent. Wales, having endured two consecutive years of receiving the Wooden Spoon, will undoubtedly aim to secure at least one win this tournament.

Did You Know? The Six Nations tournament involves six northern hemisphere national sides, each playing each other once.

Broadcast Options and Viewing Details

For those eager to follow the action, a wide range of broadcast options are available globally, with a significant number of free-to-air channels offering coverage. The tournament kicks off with a match between France and Ireland on Thursday, February 5th. Further matches this weekend include Italy versus Scotland and England versus Wales on Saturday, February 7th.

Free-to-Air Coverage

Many regions will enjoy free access to the Six Nations, thanks to its protected status in participating countries. In the UK, games will be split between the BBC, and ITV. Ireland will have coverage on RTÉ and Virgin Media, while France Télévisions will broadcast all matches. Italy’s games involving the Italian national team will be shown free on TV8.

Expert Insight: The availability of free-to-air coverage significantly broadens access to this major sporting event, allowing a wider audience to experience the excitement of the Six Nations.

International Broadcasts

For viewers outside of these regions, broadcasters include Peacock (USA), DAZN (Canada), Stan Sport (Australia), Sky Sport NZ (New Zealand), and SuperSport (South Africa). A VPN can be utilized to access streaming services from abroad, offering a convenient solution for fans traveling or residing outside their home countries.

Six Nations 2026 Fixtures

Round 1

Thursday 5 February

France v Ireland
Kick-off: 8.10pm GMT / 10.10pm SAST / 7.10am AEST (Friday) / 9.10am NZST (Friday) / 3.10pm ET / 12.10pm PT
UK broadcaster: ITV

Saturday 7 February

Italy v Scotland
Kick-off: 2.10pm GMT / 4.10pm SAST / 1.10am AEST (Sunday) / 3.10am NZST (Sunday) / 9.10am ET / 6.10am PT
UK broadcaster: BBC
England v Wales
Kick-off: 4.40pm GMT / 6.40pm SAST / 3.40am AEST (Sunday) / 5.40am NZST (Sunday) / 11.40am ET / 8.40am PT
UK broadcaster: ITV

Frequently Asked Questions

What dates will the 2026 Six Nations be played?

The 2026 Six Nations will be played from February 5th to March 14th.

Which countries participate in the Six Nations?

The Six Nations includes France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales.

Where can I watch the Six Nations in the US?

In the US, all 15 games will be shown on Peacock.

With the tournament poised to deliver thrilling matches and fierce competition, will this year’s Six Nations see a new champion emerge, or will France retain their title?