Updated on: April 23, 2024
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Watch the National Rugby League Online With a VPN in 2024:
- Step 1. Download and install a VPN that works with the NRL streaming platforms. I highly recommend ExpressVPN because it has lightning-fast speeds for live streaming and boasts a user-friendly interface.
- Step 2. Once installed, open the VPN and connect to a server. If NRL isn’t broadcasted in your location, it’s hypothetically possible to watch it with a VPN. However, doing so would be a violation of most streaming platforms’ Terms of Service and may be seen as a copyright infringement.
- Step 3. Start watching. Prepare to dive into the thrilling world of rugby league!
The best way to securely watch the National Rugby League is with a VPN. A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that encrypts your internet traffic, allowing you to stream more privately and securely. And since it hides your traffic from all third parties, including your ISP (Internet Service Provider), it also prevents it from throttling your speeds, so you can enjoy uninterrupted games.
A VPN conceals your real IP address, too, which can hypothetically allow you to watch the NRL on a streaming platform that isn’t available in your current location. That being said, please keep in mind that this might constitute copyright infringement (which isn’t something that I or anyone else at SafetyDetectives condones).
If you want to stream the NRL with a VPN, I’ve found some great picks — and my top choice is ExpressVPN. My colleagues and I confirmed it works with top NRL streaming platforms and provides the fastest streaming speeds on the market. There are other good options on my list, too, so read on to take your pick.
Disclaimer: At SafetyDetectives, we don’t support any form of copyright infringement. The VPNs listed below don’t monitor or log your online activities, meaning it’s up to you to follow all laws, rules, and regulations, when using a VPN.
How to Watch the National Rugby League on Any Device
PC or Mac
- Choose a good VPN for streaming the NRL. I highly recommend ExpressVPN for streaming live NRL games — it works with all of the streaming sites that broadcast NRL games such as 9Now, Sky Sports, Watch NRL, and more. What’s more, it has blazing-fast streaming speeds and is very user-friendly.
- Open the app and connect to a local server. Enjoy the live games of your favorite NRL teams.
Smartphone or Tablet
- Choose a good streaming VPN that works on Android and iOS devices. ExpressVPN, for instance, has excellent and intuitive mobile apps.
- Download and install the VPN. Follow the installation instructions provided, and the VPN should be installed on your device within a couple of minutes.
- Connect to a nearby VPN server. You can now watch NRL games more securely.
Smart TV
- Choose a good VPN that supports smart TVs and routers. My favorite is ExpressVPN. It has the best smart TV apps and a user-friendly router app that will secure every device on your network.
- On Android TVs: Download and install the VPN app like you would any other app.
- On non-Android TVs: Configure the VPN on your router. Follow the instructions provided to install the VPN on your home’s router. As long as your smart TV is connected to your router, it will make use of the VPN.
- Connect to a local server. You’re all set to watch your favorite NRL teams battle for the championship.
Amazon Fire Stick
- Choose a VPN with an Amazon Fire Stick app. ExpressVPN provides a super intuitive Amazon Fire Stick app.
- Download and install the VPN. Download the VPN app on your Amazon Fire Stick.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a local server. Now, you’re set to watch your favorite NRL teams brawl it out!
Gaming Console
- Choose a VPN that’s compatible with routers. ExpressVPN has an easy-to-use router app and includes step-by-step installation guides.
- Set up the VPN on your router. Follow the VPN’s instructions and connect to a nearby server. Once the VPN is configured on your router, any device that’s connected to the router, including your gaming console, will use the VPN.
- Start streaming on the gaming console. You can now watch NRL matches using your gaming console.
Best VPNs for Watching the National Rugby League in 2024
Quick summary of the best VPNs for watching the National Rugby league in 2024:
- 🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for watching the National Rugby League buffer-free in 2024.
- 🥈2. Private Internet Access — Highly secure VPN with great server network for watching National Rugby League games.
- 🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Great VPN with dedicated streaming servers for watching the National Rugby League.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Watching the National Rugby League
ExpressVPN is the best choice for catching National Rugby League matches from any corner of the globe. Not only is it compatible with all of the platforms that stream the NRL, but its blazing-fast speeds ensure you never miss a try or a tackle due to buffering.
Most importantly for NRL fans, ExpressVPN works seamlessly with leading streaming platforms. Our international team tested it in their locations (including the UK and Australia) and confirmed the VPN works with 9Now, Watch NRL, Sky Sports, and others.
ExpressVPN is easy to use on all kinds of devices, too. In addition to common platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, ExpressVPN also works with smart TVs, Amazon Fire Stick, and routers. This means that every gadget under your roof can potentially stream NRL matches via ExpressVPN. I also like the MediaStreamer feature, which further enhances streaming for devices that are traditionally not VPN-compatible, such as certain smart TVs.
With prices starting at $6.67 / month, ExpressVPN offers unmatched value. It’s a bit more expensive than competitors, but the value it offers makes it the best VPN currently on the market. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out risk-free.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Perfect for Uninterrupted National Rugby League Streaming
Private Internet Access (PIA) is tailor-made for sports enthusiasts. I asked my colleagues in the UK, US, and Australia to connect to local servers to watch the Eels vs. Storm match on sites like 9Now, Watch NRL, beIN TV. Each of their attempts worked — and the game was excellent! I also like how it has top-tier speeds, so you can stream in HD with minimal buffering.
I really like that PIA allows you to connect to servers in a particular city in your country. This way, you can use the closest server. For example, there are five cities you can connect to in Australia and 3 in the UK.
Private Internet Access offers plans that start at just $2.03 / month, so you can watch the rugby without spending too much. It has 1-month, 6-month, and 2-year plans, all of which come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Dedicated NRL Streaming Servers With Impressive Speeds
CyberGhost VPN is another great way to stream NRL fixtures with minimal interruptions — the VPN offers specialized servers optimized for 50+ streaming platforms across 20+ countries. These include 9Now, Fubo, YouTube TV, and Sky, all of which air the National Rugby League. Our international team tested these servers on streaming platforms in their locations and reported no problems.
CyberGhost VPN has budget-friendly plans starting at $2.03 / month. And if you want to see if CyberGhost VPN is right for you, the long-term plans come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, while the shorter plan has a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost VPN review
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Watching the National Rugby League in 2024
How to Choose the Best VPN for Watching the National Rugby League in 2024
- Choose a VPN that works with NRL streaming platforms. The VPNs in this article work with multiple NRL streaming services like 9Now, Watch NRL, beIN, and more, as confirmed by my colleagues based in the countries where these streaming apps are available.
- Opt for a VPN with impressive speed and performance. All VPNs will slow your connection down a bit, but some are way worse than others. If you don’t want those intense NRL moments to be disrupted by irritating buffering, you need a fast VPN. All the VPNs on my list, especially ExpressVPN, enable a seamless streaming experience by maintaining impressive speeds across all servers.
- Ensure the VPN provides comprehensive device compatibility. A VPN’s versatility can be measured by the breadth of devices it supports. Every provider on this list works on all major types of devices. ExpressVPN even has intuitive apps for routers and smart TVs.
- Pick a VPN with strong security features. Your online safety is paramount. Every VPN on this list adheres to industry-leading security standards, including 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch to safeguard against potential data leaks, and an independently audited no-logs policy. Whether you’re watching the rugby or simply browsing, these features ensure that your online activity remains confidential.
- Look for a VPN that works with other streaming services. Chances are you’ll want to watch more than just the NRL with your new VPN. The VPNs on this list also work with Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. From my tests, ExpressVPN particularly stood out, as it’s compatible with 100+ streaming platforms.
- Find a cost-effective solution. Value for money should always be a priority. Each VPN I’ve discussed offers competitive pricing structures, accommodates diverse payment methods, and provides risk-free money-back guarantees.
What Streaming Services Show the National Rugby League?
You can theoretically use a VPN to watch the National Rugby League from a different location, but bear in mind this breaks most platforms’ Terms of Service and can be regarded as breaking certain copyright laws. While the VPNs we recommend have strict no-logging policies that don’t see or record what you do online, we urge you to follow all applicable rules and regulations when using a VPN.
The National Rugby League 2024 Season Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
How to watch rugby league in the US?
You can watch the National Rugby League (NRL) on Watch NRL, Fox Sports, or Fubo. I recommend watching with a good VPN, like ExpressVPN, for an extra layer of privacy and security and to prevent your ISP from throttling your internet and interrupting your viewing experience.
How can I watch NRL live online?
You can watch the NRL live online through streaming platforms like 9Now. However, the platform you use depends entirely on your current location. Platforms like 9Now and Kayo Sports only work in Australia. Another dedicated service is Watch NRL, which is aimed at fans outside of Oceania.
Can I watch NRL live on my phone?
Yes, most NRL streaming platforms have official mobile apps available for both iOS and Android devices. These apps typically offer live streaming, replays, highlights, news, and more, ensuring you have the NRL action at your fingertips. However, some streaming apps may not appear on your phone’s app store if the streaming service is not available in your region.
How can I watch the National Rugby League on my TV?
Start by choosing a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN, which provides top-notch and intuitive smart TV apps. For Android TVs, directly download and install the VPN app. However, for non-Android TVs, you’ll need to first configure the VPN on your router. Once set up, ensure your smart TV is connected to the VPN-enabled router. Finally, connect to a server, log into your preferred NRL streaming platform, and enjoy watching your favorite NRL teams compete for victory.
