Thursday’s France v Ireland live stream sees the 2026 Six Nations kick off in style, as the final two winners clash in Paris in what could be the match that ultimately decides this year’s championship.
France had the upper hand in last year’s encounter in Dublin, as future player of the tournament Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored twice to give Les Bleus a convincing 42-27 victory. And this, despite the injury of skipper Antoine Dupont after half an hour. The talismanic captain will be determined to last the full 80 minutes this time around and lead his team to a maiden triumph in front of more than 80,000 people at the Stade de France.
After two consecutive championships, the Men in Green had to settle for third place last year, and since then it has become a relative struggle for them. They were comfortably beaten by New Zealand and South Africa at the Autumn Internationals and now have to do without Bundee Aki for disciplinary reasons. Andy Farrell will be eager for his team to get back up to speed here and start to build momentum ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Read our guide below to find out where to watch France v Ireland on TV and get Free Six Nations 2026 Streams online.
Watch France vs Ireland for FREE
This match – as well as all other Six Nations 2026 matches – will be streamed live and free across the UK and Ireland. The France vs Ireland live stream is scheduled to be broadcast on:
🇫🇷 United Kingdom: ITVX
🇮🇪 Ireland: Blank Media Set
🇫🇷France: French television
What if you are abroad? Rugby fans in the UK, Ireland and France can use NordVPN to watch their regular streaming service from 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 appear to be in your home country, so you can unblock your usual service. The best VPN at the moment? We recommend NordVPN – it does it all and has a 74% discount.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in the US
France v Ireland – and all Six Nations 2026 matches – will be shown live on Peacock in the United States.
Peacock TV subscriptions start from $10.99 per month (you need at least the Premium tier) and you’ll also be able to watch Premier League football on the platform and Super Bowl 2026.
Outside the United States for France against Ireland? To 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.
TV coverage of France vs Ireland is active ITV1, while you can also stream it live and on demand via the free service ITVX website and mobile application.
If you are outside the UK but you would like to benefit from your usual coverage, consult NordVPN and follow the instructions above.
ITV is a free service, but to use it you must have a valid UK TV license 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 matches will be shown on free-to-air television in Ireland.
Blank media 1 broadcasts France v Ireland, which means it will also be available to stream on the Blank Media Set platform.
Are you not in Ireland at the moment? Check NordVPN.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in South Africa
France v Ireland will be televised on a subscription service SuperSport.
You will need to obtain a DStv access package to watch the Six Nations on SuperSport with prices starting at R99 ($5.66) per month.
Abroad at the moment? Simply use a VPN and tell your device that you are back home and will be ready to go.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in Australia
In Australia, France against Ireland will take place Stan Sports.
It costs $20 per month on top of a regular Stan subscription which costs from $12 per month. However, you can currently receive a discounted Sports Membership rate of $10 for your first month (promo ends 02/09).
Are you away from Australia at the moment? Use a VPN to watch Stan Sport from abroad.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in New Zealand
Sky Sport Reviews is the TV rights holder for the 2026 Six Nations in New Zealand.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream with the Sky Sport now subscription service starting at $29.99 per day or $54.99 per month and watch France vs Ireland.
Are you missing a match 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, all Six Nations 2026 matches, including France v Ireland, will be broadcast live on Wow. Prices start at ¥2,530 ($16) per month for their streaming service.
Visiting Japan for France vs Ireland? Enjoy your free streams using a VPN like NordVPN.
What is the start time for France vs Ireland?
For the first time in the tournament’s history, a Six Nations match will take place on a Thursday.
France’s scheduled kick-off time against Ireland on Thursday, February 5 is 9:10 p.m. local time in Paris, which is 8:10 p.m. GMT in the UK and 3:10 p.m. ET / 12:10 p.m. PT in the United States.
Can I watch France vs Ireland on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters offer streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or through your phone’s browser. For example, ITVX, Peacock and VM Play all have dedicated apps.
You can also stay up to date with all things Six Nations on the official social channels on X (@SixNations), YouTube (@Men’sSixNations) and Instagram (@SixNationsRugby).
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Access a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid pirated content is not endorsed or endorsed by Future Publishing.
