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Ireland vs Wales is one of the most storied fixtures in any Six Nations calendar, but it would be one of the biggest upsets if the visitors were to win in Dublin in 2026. Steve Tandy's side were much improved last time out, too — they couldn't, could they?
You can watch Ireland vs Wales live streams from anywhere with a VPN and potentially for FREE.
The Ireland vs Wales game takes place Friday, March 6.
► Time — 3:10 p.m. ET / 12:10 p.m. PT / 8:10 p.m. GMT / 7:10 a.m. AEDT (Sat.)
• FREE STREAMS — ITVX (U.K.) / RTÉ Player (Ireland)
• U.S. — Peacock
• Watch anywhere — Try NordVPN 100% risk free
Since an opening night obliteration by France, Andy Farrell's Ireland side have found their groove again and never more so than in the 42-21 victory against England at Twickenham two weeks ago, during which captain Caelan Doris was again immense. Nick Timoney made a huge impression off the bench against England and the Ulster back-rower has been rewarded with a first Six Nations start in Dublin. Timoney is one of five changes as Jack Conan also returns, moving Tadhg Beirne to the second row. Jacob Stockdale replaces the injured James Lowe on the left wing.
Yes, the Scotland game was another loss for Wales — the 26-23 defeat their 14th in a row in the Six Nations — but their first-half display was proof of recent improvements for head coach Tandy. The Welsh ran out of gas in the second, so Ellis Mee returns on the wing, with Louis Rees-Zammit continuing at full-back. Two further changes from Tandy are enforced, as fly-half Dan Edwards and flanker James Botham replace the injured Sam Costelow and Taine Plumtree. Bath center Louie Hennessey could make his debut from the bench.
Here's how to watch Ireland vs Wales in the Six Nations 2026 online and on TV — including free streaming options.
Ireland vs Wales team news
Ireland XV: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Stockdale; Crowley, Gibson-Park; O'Toole, Kelleher, Furlong, Ryan, Beirne, Conan, Timoney, Doris (capt).
Replacements: Stewart, Milne, Clarkson, McCarthy, Van der Flier, Doak, Farrell, Frawley.
Wales XV: Rees-Zammit; Mee, James, Hawkins, Adams; Edwards, T Williams; Carre, Lake (capt), Francis, D Jenkins, Carter, Mann, Botham, Wainwright.
Replacements: Elias, Smith, Griffin, Beard, Cracknell, Hardy, J Evans, Hennessey.
Can I watch Ireland vs Wales free of charge?
Ireland vs Wales is free-to-air in the U.K. courtesy of ITV and ITVX, and in Ireland, via RTÉ and RTÉ Player.
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 Ireland vs Wales for free — we’ll show you how below.
How to watch Ireland vs Wales from anywhere
Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching the Six Nations on your usual subscription?
No need to worry, you can still watch all of the action using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). VPN's allow you to make your device appear as if it's in your home country, no matter where you are, bypassing geo-blockers. Perfect for rugby union fans traveling for work or leisure. Our #1 pick is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:
It's really simple to use a VPN to watch Ireland vs Wales this Friday.
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 example, if you're away from the U.K. and want to watch your regular stream of Ireland vs Wales, select 'U.K.' from the listed countries.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head over to ITVX and watch the game from anywhere
How to watch Ireland vs Wales live streams in the U.S.
In the U.S., Ireland vs Wales will be 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.
You'll also be able to catch Premier League soccer action on the platform.
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 Ireland vs Wales live streams in the U.K.
In the U.K., Ireland vs Wales is being shown on free-to-air channel ITV1.
That means you can also stream this one live (with a valid TV Licence) and on demand thanks to the broadcasters' ITVX streaming platform.
Away from the U.K. right now? NordVPN will unblock your stream live from Dublin.
How to watch Ireland vs Wales live streams in Australia
In Australia, Ireland vs Wales and every other Six Nations game are 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.
Remember if you're U.K. resident visiting Australia you can still watch your free stream Down Under using NordVPN.
How to watch Ireland vs Wales live streams in New Zealand
New Zealanders can catch Ireland vs Wales 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 Ireland vs Wales live streams in Ireland
In Ireland, Ireland vs Wales is being shown on free-to-air RTÉ2, with live streaming available via RTÉ Player.
Outside the Emerald Isle? Watch the Six Nations from anywhere across the world with NordVPN.
How to watch Ireland vs Wales live streams in Canada
In Canada, Ireland vs Wales along with every other Six Nations game, is available to watch on 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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