Thursday’s France vs Ireland live stream sees the 2026 Six Nations kick off in style as the last two winners meet in Paris in what could be the match that ultimately decides this year’s championship.
France got the better of the encounter in Dublin last year, when eventual player of the tournament Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored twice to set up a convincing 42-27 Les Bleus victory. That was despite captain Antoine Dupont’s injury after half an hour: the talismanic captain will be determined to last the full 80 minutes this time and lead his team to a maiden triumph in front of more than 80,000 spectators at the Stade de France.
After two championships in a row, the Men in Green had to settle for a third-place finish last year, and since then things have become a relative struggle for them. In the autumn internationals they were comfortably defeated by New Zealand and South Africa and now have to do without Bundee Aki for disciplinary reasons. Andy Farrell will be keen to get his team back up to speed here and start to gain momentum ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Keep reading below for our guide on where to watch France vs Ireland on TV and get Six Nations 2026 Free Streams online.
Watch France vs Ireland for FREE
This match, along with all other matches in the 2026 Six Nations, will be streamed. live and free throughout the UK and Ireland. The France vs Ireland live stream will be broadcast on:
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: ITVX
🇮🇪 Ireland: Virgin multimedia game
🇫🇷 France: france television
What happens if you are abroad? Rugby fans in the UK, Ireland and France can use NordVPN to watch their usual streaming service from anywhere.
How to watch any France vs Ireland broadcast using a VPN
A VPN is useful software that can make your device appear as if you are in your home country, so you can unblock your usual service. Best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with a 74% discount.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in the US
France vs Ireland, and all 2026 Six Nations matches, will be broadcast live on Peacock in the US
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.
Out of the United States for France vs Ireland? Wear NordVPN to access your regular broadcasts.
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.
Television coverage of France-Ireland is now available ITV1, while you can also stream it live and on-demand through the free service ITVX website and mobile application.
if you are outside the uk but you want to take advantage of your usual coverage, consult NordVPN and follow the instructions above.
ITV is a free service, although you must have a valid UK television license to use it, as it also covers the consumption of digital content.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in Ireland
As mentioned above, all 2026 Six Nations games will be broadcast on free-to-air television in Ireland.
Virgin Media 1 shows France vs Ireland, meaning it will also be available to stream on the Virgin multimedia game platform.
Not in Ireland right now? Verify NordVPN.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in South Africa
France vs Ireland will be televised by subscription service Supersport.
You will need to get a DStv Access Package to watch the Six Nations on SuperSport with prices starting at R99 ($5.66) per month.
Abroad right now? Just use a vpn and tell your device that you’re back home and ready to go.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in Australia
France-Ireland will be broadcast in Australia sport.
It costs $20 a month on top of a regular Stan subscription that starts at $12 a month. Although right now you can get a discounted sports subscription rate of $10 for your first month (promotion ends 09/02).
Far from Australia right now? 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 television rights holder for Six Nations 2026 in New Zealand.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream with the Sky sport now subscription service from $29.99 per day or $54.99 per month and watch France vs Ireland.
Did you miss a match due to work commitments abroad? NordVPN will give you access to your streaming service at home.
How to watch France vs Ireland in Japan
In Japan, all 2026 Six Nations matches, including France vs Ireland, will be broadcast live on Wow. Prices start at ¥2,530 ($16) per month for their streaming service.
Are you visiting Japan for the France-Ireland match? Access your free streams using a VPN like NordVPN.
What is the start time of France vs Ireland?
For the first time in the tournament’s history, a Six Nations match will take place on a Thursday.
The scheduled start time between France and Ireland on Thursday, February 5 is 9:10 pm local time in Paris, which is 8:10 pm GMT in the UK and 3:10 pm ET / 12:10 pm PT in the US.
Can I watch France vs Ireland on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or through the browser on your phone. 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 media channels at 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 when you are abroad. We do not support or tolerate illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Future Publishing does not endorse or approve the consumption of paid pirated content.
