The 2026 Six Nations looks set to be one of the most competitive editions of the tournament in years as France, England and Ireland all have plenty of reasons to believe they can triumph.
While these three nations are expected to lead the charge for the title, Italy and Scotland will be no pushovers. The Italians demonstrated their quality in the Autumn Internationals with a dramatic upset win over Australia, while Scotland will have revenge on the mind after their dramatic 16-15 loss to England in last year’s championship.
Finally, there’s Wales, who have finished with the Wooden Spoon two years in succession. It’s been a bleak period for Welsh rugby fans but there was a faint glimmer of hope when they secured a hard-fought 31-22 victory over Japan in Kobe last summer.
It’s set to be a fascinating Six Nations and fortunately for rugby fans, a host of games will be shown for free in the United Kingdom, Ireland and France via BBC iPlayer, ITVX, RTÉ Player, Virgin Media Play and FranceTV. Travelling away from the UK, Ireland and France? A good VPN will let you tap into that free Six Nations 2026 coverage from anywhere — and our favourite NordVPN is 74% off right now.
Can I stream Six Nations 2026 for free?
You can watch select Six Nations games for free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX in the UK, RTÉ Player and Virgin Media Play in Ireland, and on France TV in France.
Traveling outside these countries during the Six Nations? You can use a VPN to watch all the action free of charge as if you were right at home. NordVPN is our top pick of the options.
Use a VPN to watch any Six Nations 2026 stream
Why is a VPN a good option to watch Six Nations 2026
Taking place over six weeks, the Six Nations 2026 may well coincide with holidays or planned work trips abroad. Unfortunately, you may find that your usual streaming options are geoblocked while you’re away.
That’s where a VPN comes in handy – not only does it let you access your home streaming services from anywhere, but it also protects you from potential online threats.
What is the Six Nations 2026 schedule?
(all kick-off times GMT)
Thursday, February 5
France vs Ireland, 8.10pm
Saturday, February 7
Italy vs Scotland, 2.10pm
England vs Wales, 4.40pm
Saturday, February 14
Ireland vs Italy 2.10pm
Scotland vs England, 4.40pm
Sunday, February 15
Wales vs France, 3.10pm
Saturday, February 21
England vs Ireland, 2.10pm
Wales vs Scotland, 4.40pm
Sunday, February 22
France vs Italy, 3.10pm
Friday, March 6
Ireland vs Wales , 8.10pm
Saturday, March 7
Scotland vs France, 2.10pm
Italy vs England, 4.40pm
Saturday, March 14
Ireland vs Scotland, 2.10pm
Wales vs Italy, 4.40pm
France vs England, 8.10pm
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