How to watch France vs Ireland: FREE live streams, preview for 2026 Six Nations opener

Antoine Dupont of France passes the ball during the Guinness Six Nations 2025 match between Ireland and France at Aviva Stadium on March 08, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland.

(Image credit: David Rogers/Getty Images)

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If there was such a thing as a Six Nations final, this would be it. Between them Ireland and holders France have won the last four editions of the championship, and whoever comes out on top in the 2026 opener this Thursday — a day early in order to avoid a clash with the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics — will likely end up with the trophy on Super Saturday in five weeks' time.

You can watch France vs Ireland live streams from anywhere with a VPN and potentially for FREE.

France vs Ireland live streams: TV schedule, dates

The France vs Ireland game takes place on Thursday, February 5.
► Time — 3.10 p.m. ET / 12:10 p.m. PT / 8.10 p.m. GMT / 7.10 a.m. AEDT (Fri.)
• FREE STREAMS — ITVX (U.K.) / Virgin Media Play (Ireland)
• U.S. — Peacock
• Watch anywhere — Try NordVPN 100% risk free

It was in the reverse fixture back in March that France captain Antoine Dupont suffered an ACL tear that put him out of action until late November. He's been in outrageously good form for his club side Toulouse, and will want to flaunt his recovery on his return to international action at Stade de France. The sudden retirement of Les Bleus icon Uini Atonio, however, will be felt deeply. The all-time great was rushed to hospital with heart issues last week, and has hung his boots up on medical advice.

Fabien Galthie can't be accused of bashfulness. Not only has he omitted Gael Fickou, Gregory Alldritt and France's all-time top try-scorer Damian Penaud, but he's brought the daring, occasionally reckless, Matthieu Jalibert in from the cold at fly-half in place of the injured Romain Ntamack. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who scored a record eight tries at last year's tournament, remains their No.1 offensive threat.

There'd been suspicions that Ireland have stalled over the past 18 months or so, but a dismal Autumn Nations Series instead demonstrated that they've gone backwards. For the first time in years, Andy Farrell is under pressure to prove that he has the vision to rebuild this once-great team, and he's opted to start the championship pragmatically, with Sam Prendergast, a safer pair of hands than the exciting Harry Byrne, getting the nod at fly-half. With Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle all injured, Jeremy Loughman is set to make his first international start for two years.

Here's how to watch France vs Ireland online and on TV — including free streaming options.

Can I watch France vs Ireland free of charge?

France vs Ireland is free-to-air in the U.K. courtesy of ITV1 and ITVX, and in Ireland, via Virgin Media 1 and Virgin Media Play.

Just register an account using a valid Aussie postcode (e.g. NSW 2000).

Away from home? You may not be able to watch the action like you normally would due to regional restrictions. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution. Use a VPN to watch France vs Ireland for free — we’ll show you how below.

How to watch France vs Ireland from anywhere

Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching the Six Nations opener on your usual subscription?

You can still watch France vs Ireland live thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear as if they're back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you want to watch the free France vs Ireland coverage on Virgin Media Play, choose 'Ireland' from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to Virgin Media Play, sign in, and watch France vs Ireland live.

How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in the U.S.

In the U.S., France vs Ireland, along with every other game of the 2026 Six Nations, is being shown on Peacock.

You'll need at least a Premium subscription to tune in, with prices starting from $10.99/month or $109.99/year. You can pay an extra $4/month to add Apple TV.

Already subscribed to Peacock but outside the U.S. right now? A VPN like NordVPN will help you tap into your regular coverage.

How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in the U.K.

British flag — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

In the U.K., France vs Ireland is being shown on free-to-air ITV1, with live streaming available via ITVX (with a valid TV Licence).

Away from the U.K. right now? NordVPN will unblock your stream of the Six Nations opener.

How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in Australia

Australia flag — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

In Australia, France vs Ireland and every other Six Nations game is being shown exclusively on Stan Sport.

You'll need a Stan subscription starting at $12/month and then add Stan Sport for an extra $20/month (although, at the time of writing, you'll get your first month for $10).

If you're on holiday outside Australia, you can still follow your usual France vs Ireland live streams by using one of the best VPN services, such as NordVPN.

How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in New Zealand

New Zealand flag — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

New Zealanders can catch France vs Ireland and the rest of the Six Nations on Sky Sport.

That means you can also watch through the online Sky Sport Now platform, which costs $29.99/day, $54.99/month or $549.99/year.

Remember. You can still tap into your Six Nations stream when overseas by using one of the best VPN services, such as NordVPN.

How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in Ireland

Irish Flag — (Image credit: Wikimedia Commons)

In Ireland, France vs Ireland is being shown on free-to-air Virgin Media 1, with live streaming available via Virgin Media Play.

Outside the Emerald Isle? Watch the Six Nations from anywhere across the world with NordVPN!

How to watch France vs Ireland live streams in Canada

Canada Flag — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

In Canada, France vs Ireland, along with every other Six Nations game, is available to watch DAZN. Prices start at CA$34.99 per month.

Away from home? You can still catch all the action using a VPN, such as our top pick: NordVPN.

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Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Aatif is a freelance journalist and copywriter based in the UK. He’s written about technology, sport and politics for a wide range of publications including TechRadar, What Hi-Fi?, The Independent, Trusted Reviews, and Newsweek. These days, he focuses mainly on streaming at Future, an arrangement that combines two of his greatest passions: live TV and penny-pinching. When he's not attending a top-flight English soccer match, you can find him perfecting his table tennis skills.

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