Where to watch the Rugby World Cup
Owing to its status as the biggest international rugby event, the Rugby World Cup can be found on TV networks around the world. The following networks are where you can catch matches in their respective countries:
- USA: NBC Sports
- Canada: TSN
- UK: ITV
- Ireland: EIR Sports
- Australia: Fox Sports, Network Ten
- South Africa: SuperSport
- New Zealand: Spark Sport
- France: TF1
- Germany: Ran
- Japan: Nippon TV, NHK, J SPORTS
Why use a VPN to stream the Rugby World Cup
Despite the fact that the Cup is airing on networks across the world, you still might find yourself unable to catch the matches live. Many of the networks require expensive cable packages, and for American expats living abroad temporarily, a long-term lock-in cable contract to watch a six-week long event just isn’t a viable option.
Luckily there’s a solution for Americans outside of their country who can’t find the Rugby World Cup on TV where they are, or would just prefer to view their home country’s coverage of the event. The free NBC Sports app is airing many of the matches and can be downloaded on Android, iOS, Samsung TVs, streaming devices, and other platforms. Unfortunately, due to legal restrictions, the app can only be used within the United States. However, there’s a simple workaround and it requires using a VPN.
A VPN is a handy tool that routes your internet connection through one of many proxy servers around the world, making it seem as if you are connecting from that country and allowing you to use services exclusively available in that nation. By logging on to a US server through your VPN, you can stream Rugby World Cup matches on the NBC Sports app from anywhere in the world.
Step-by-step guide to streaming the Rugby World Cup with a VPN
- Subscribe to a good VPN with a wide selection of U.S. servers (Ivacy is offering 20% off all plans except their monthly plan with promo code RWC20).
- Download and install the VPN client on the device you stream sports on.
- Connect to a U.S. server on your chosen streaming device.
- Install the NBC Sports app.
- When match time comes, check that you are still connected to a US server via the VPN client on your chosen streaming device and enter the NBC Sports app.
- Enjoy Rugby World Cup matches from wherever you are in the world.
Supported devices
- VPNs are compatible with just about any device able to connect to the internet, including iOS and Android phones/tablets, digital streaming devices, smart TVs, and video game consoles. Check each VPN’s list of supported devices to find one that supports your favorite platforms.
- The NBC Sports App is available for iOS devices, and Android devices through the Google Play app, laptops, digital streaming devices, Chromecast, Xbox, and Samsung TVs. Scope the list here.
Best VPNs for streaming the Rugby World Cup
ExpressVPN
Our top pick!
- Always evades internet control in the PRC
- Keeps ahead of the Netflix VPN detection algorithm
- Benchmark tests show excellent speed
NordVPN
- More US city locations than its rivals
- Includes malware protection
- No-logs policy
Ivacy VPN
- Over 200 servers in 80+ countries
- Sleek, easy to use UI
- Customer support via email, Skype, and ticketing
PureVPN
- Excellent client with pre-configured modes for streaming, P2P, privacy
- Kill switch
- Support for wide range of protocols, including OpenVPN
CyberGhost
- Precise locations
- Very large VPN server network
- Offers a 45-day money-back guarantee
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