The 2026 Six Nations is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions of the tournament in years, with France, England and Ireland all having plenty of reason to believe they can triumph.
Although these three nations are expected to lead the title race, Italy and Scotland will not be left behind. The Italians demonstrated their quality at the Autumn Internationals with a dramatic victory over Australia, while Scotland will have revenge on their minds after their dramatic 16-15 defeat to England in last year’s championship.
Finally, there is Wales, who finished with the Wooden Spoon two years in a row. It has been a dark time for Welsh rugby fans, but a slight glimmer of hope appeared when they secured a hard-fought 31-22 victory over Japan in Kobe last summer.
It will be a fascinating Six Nations Tournament and luckily for rugby fans, many matches will be broadcast for free in the UK, Ireland and France via BBC iPlayer, ITVX, RTÉ Player, Virgin Media Play and FranceTV. Traveling far from the UK, Ireland and France? A good VPN will let you enjoy this free Six Nations 2026 coverage wherever you are – and our favorite NordVPN is currently 74% off.
Can I stream Six Nations 2026 for free?
You can watch some Six Nations matches for free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX in the UK, RTÉ Player and Virgin Media Play in Ireland and on France TV in France.
Are you traveling outside of these countries during the Six Nations? You can use a VPN to watch all the action for free as if you were at home. NordVPN is our top pick among the options.
Use a VPN to watch any Six Nations 2026 stream
Why is a VPN a good option for watching Six Nations 2026
Taking place over six weeks, the 2026 Six Nations could well coincide with planned holidays or business trips abroad. Unfortunately, you may find that your usual streaming options are geoblocked while you are away.
This is where a VPN is convenient: not only does it allow you to access your home streaming services from anywhere, but it also protects you from potential online threats.
What is the 2026 Six Nations schedule?
(all kick-off times GMT)
Thursday February 5
France – Ireland, 8:10 p.m.
Saturday February 7
Italy vs Scotland, 2:10 p.m.
England vs Wales, 4:40 p.m.
Saturday February 14
Ireland – Italy at 2:10 p.m.
Scotland vs England, 4:40 p.m.
Sunday February 15
Wales – France, 3:10 p.m.
Saturday February 21
England vs Ireland, 2:10 p.m.
Wales – Scotland, 4:40 p.m.
Sunday February 22
France – Italy, 3:10 p.m.
Friday March 6
Ireland vs Wales, 8:10 p.m.
Saturday March 7
Scotland – France, 2:10 p.m.
Italy vs England, 4:40 p.m.
Saturday March 14
Ireland vs Scotland, 2:10 p.m.
Wales – Italy, 4:40 p.m.
France – England, 8:10 p.m.
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