Thursday’s France vs Ireland live stream sees the 2026 Six Nations kick off in style, as the last two winners clash 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, as eventual player of the tournament Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored twice to set up a convincing 42-27 victory for Les Bleus. That was despite an injury to 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 side to an opening triumph in front of more than 80,000 at the Stade de France.
After two championships on the trot, the Men in Green had to settle for a third place finish last year, and things have become a relative struggle for them ever since. They were beaten comfortably by New Zealand and South Africa in the Autumn Internationals and now have to do without Bundee Aki for disciplinary reasons. Andy Farrell will be eager for his squad to get back up to speed here and begin building up momentum towards next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Read on 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 game – along with every other match of the 2026 Six Nations – will be streamed live and free across the UK and Ireland. The France vs Ireland live stream is set to be shown on:
🇬🇧 UK: ITVX
🇮🇪 Ireland: Virgin Media Play
🇫🇷 France: France TV
What if you’re abroad? Rugby fans from the UK, Ireland and France can use NordVPN to watch their usual streaming service from anywhere.
How to watch any France vs Ireland stream using a VPN
A VPN is handy piece of software that can make your device appear as if it’s back in your home country, so you can unlock your usual service. The 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 live streamed on Peacock in the US.
Peacock TV subscriptions start from $10.99 per month (you need at least the Premium tier) and you will also be able to catch Premier League football on the platform and Super Bowl 2026.
Outside the US for France vs Ireland? Use NordVPN to access your usual streams.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in the UK
As ever, rugby fans in the UK can watch the Six Nations for FREE – both on traditional TV and online.
TV coverage for France vs Ireland is on ITV1, while you can also stream it live and on demand via the free ITVX website and mobile app.
If you’re outside the UK but want to tap into your usual coverage, check out NordVPN and follow the instructions above.
ITV is a free service, though in order to use it you need to be in possession of a valid UK TV licence, as this covers digital content consumption, too.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in Ireland
As mentioned above, all Six Nations 2026 games will be on free-to-air TV in Ireland.
Virgin Media 1 is showing France vs Ireland, which means it will also be available to stream on the Virgin Media Play platform.
Not in Ireland right now? Check out NordVPN.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in South Africa
France vs Ireland will be televised on subscription service SuperSport.
You’ll 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 you’ll be good to go.
How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in Australia
In Australia, France vs Ireland will be on Stan Sport.
It costs $20 a month on top of a regular Stan subscription costing from $12 a month. Though right now you can get a discounted rate for the sport sub of $10 for your first month (promo ending on 09/02).
Away 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 NZ is the Six Nations 2026 TV rights holder in New Zealand.
You can access Sky Sport through 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.
Missing a game 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, every match of the 2026 Six Nations, including France vs Ireland, will be live streamed on Wowow. Prices start at ¥2,530 ($16) per month for their streaming service.
Visiting Japan for France vs Ireland? Tap into your free streams using a VPN like NordVPN.
What is the France vs Ireland start time?
For the first time in the tournament’s history, a Six Nations game will take place on a Thursday.
The scheduled France vs Ireland kick-off time on Thursday, February 5 is 9.10pm local time in Paris, which is 8.10pm GMT in the UK and 3.10pm ET / 12.10pm 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 via 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 media channels on X (@SixNations), YouTube (@Men’sSixNations) and Instagram (@SixNationsRugby).
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