Updated on: July 24, 2024
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Watch the Rugby World Cup Online With a VPN in 2023:
- Download and install a VPN. My top pick is ExpressVPN — it consistently works with platforms that stream the Rugby World Cup, offers blazing-fast speeds for uninterrupted streams, and has easy-to-use apps and a large server network.
- Connect to a VPN server. Start your VPN app and pick a VPN server. If the Rugby World Cup isn’t available in your location, you may be able to theoretically watch it with a VPN. However, please keep in mind that this would be a violation of most streaming platforms’ Terms of Service and may be considered a copyright infringement.
- Log into the streaming platform and start watching. Find the Rugby World Cup stream and enjoy the game.
I recommend that everyone watch the Rugby World Cup matches with a VPN. A VPN ensures your online privacy and security while streaming by encrypting your internet traffic. It’s also an invaluable tool for stopping your internet service provider (ISP) from throttling your speeds so you can enjoy the game without any interruptions.
A VPN, in theory, can also allow you to watch the Rugby World Cup from a different location. But this breaks most streaming platforms’ Terms of Service and may even be regarded as breaking copyright law — neither I nor anyone else at SafetyDetectives condone this action.
However, not all VPNs are suitable for streaming the Rugby World Cup. Some don’t work with platforms that carry Rugby World Cup matches. Others aren’t fast enough or come with difficult-to-use apps.
My colleagues, who are from all over the world, and I tested dozens of VPNs and picked the best 3 providers for streaming the Rugby World Cup. My top recommendation is ExpressVPN, as it works Rugby World Cup streaming sites 100% of the time, delivers the fastest speeds, has intuitive apps for all major devices, and provides a vast server network.
Disclaimer: My colleagues and I at SafetyDetectives don’t condone breaking any copyright laws. The VPNs I recommend have no-logs policies that prevent them from viewing or logging your online activities, so it’s up to you to responsibly use the VPN.
Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
How to Watch the Rugby World Cup on Any Device
1. Get a good VPN that’s compatible with sites that stream Rugby World Cup content.
ExpressVPN is the best pick since it works with 100+ streaming platforms, including all of the ones that broadcast Rugby World Cup matches.
2. Download and set up the VPN on your devices.
You can download the VPN client from the provider’s site or your device’s app store. Then, just follow the installation wizard’s instructions to install and configure the VPN app — it’ll only take a couple of minutes.
3. Run the VPN client and connect to a VPN server.
After you connect to the server, you can start securely watching Rugby World Cup games.
What Streaming Services Show the Rugby World Cup?
Best VPNs for Watching the Rugby World Cup in 2023
Quick summary of the best VPNs for watching the Rugby World Cup in 2023:
- 🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for watching the Rugby World Cup in 2023 with super-fast speeds.
- 🥈2. Private Internet Access — Excellent Android and iOS apps for streaming the Rugby World Cup on the go.
- 🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Fast VPN with streaming-optimized servers for watching the Rugby World Cup.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Watching the Rugby World Cup in 2023
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming the Rugby World Cup. I was able to watch the group stages on Sport Klub, but I also asked our international team to test it in their locations, and they found it fully compatible with popular platforms that carry this year’s matches.
ExpressVPN comes with a smart DNS tool called MediaStreamer. It won’t encrypt your traffic; instead, it lets you use the VPN on devices that don’t traditionally support VPNs, such as smart TVs or gaming consoles. Plus, there’s a native router app so that any device connected to your network can get protection from ExpressVPN without having to manually install it on each one of them.
The provider comes with feature-rich and easy-to-use apps for all major devices, including Apple TV, Fire Stick, and more. With the Smart Location tool, you can easily connect to the nearest and fastest server. The Shortcuts feature is especially handy. For instance, you can set up shortcuts to your preferred streaming platforms and start watching rugby matches with a single click as soon as you connect to a local server.
ExpressVPN offers several plans, with prices starting at $6.67 / month. Moreover, the company provides a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the service risk-free.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great for Streaming the Rugby World Cup on Mobile Devices
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a great option for streaming rugby on mobile apps. The installation process is swift thanks to comprehensive tutorials. You’ll also get handy features like a big power button for quick connection to servers, server filtering options (by name, latency, or favorites), and automation scenarios (you can set PIA to connect automatically upon establishing a Wi-Fi connection, for example).
PIA consistently works with streaming platforms that carry the Rugby World Cup. It’s compatible with Sport Klub, ITVX, TF1, 9now, Channel 4, The Rugby Network, BBC, and Kiwi TVNZ. Plus, PIA has a large server network that spans 91 countries, so you can always find a fast and stable connection option.
PIA offers smart DNS and manual router support, enabling coverage for all devices on the network. It also allows unlimited connections, so you have options if everyone in your family wants to stream the Rugby World Cup on separate devices. Still, I prefer ExpressVPN, as it comes with a native router app, so you don’t have to manually configure settings.
Private Internet Access offers affordable plans that start at $2.19 / month. It backs all plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Dedicated Streaming Servers for the Rugby World Cup
CyberGhost VPN offers 100+ dedicated servers optimized for streaming. These servers provide fast speeds for smooth streaming and are tested frequently to ensure that they work with specific streaming platforms.
CyberGhost has streaming-optimized servers for plenty of channels that broadcast the Rugby World Cup: ITV, TF1, France TV, 9Now, RTE Player, and NBC Sports — so users in the countries where these streaming services are available can connect to these dedicated servers. Plus, it provides smart DNS and router support, so you can enjoy the games on a big screen.
CyberGhost VPN’s pricing plans start at $2.19 / month. It backs its long-term plan with a reassuring 45-day money-back guarantee, while short-term plans come with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost VPN review
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Quick Comparison Table
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
How to Choose the Best VPN for Watching the Rugby World Cup in 2023
- Sign up for a VPN with excellent streaming support. A good VPN should integrate with platforms broadcasting the Rugby World Cup, such as ITV, TF1, 9Now, and more. ExpressVPN works with 100+ streaming apps, including the ones mentioned.
- Look for lightning-fast speeds for streaming. Every VPN will slightly slow down your speed because of the encryption it applies. However, with the premium ones, you won’t notice any latency. All the VPNs I recommend offer fast speeds fit for seamless streaming.
- Opt for user-friendly VPN apps. The VPN should come with apps compatible with all major devices. Installation should be straightforward, and you should be able to start the streams in no time. All the VPNs on my list tick these boxes.
- Get a VPN with top-notch security measures. You should be able to stream the Rugby World Cup without worrying about your privacy and security. I only recommend VPNs equipped with standard features such as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch that prevents data leaks by blocking internet access when the VPN connection drops, protection against IPv6, DNS, or WebRTC leaks, and a strict no-logs policy.
- Insist on value for your money. The VPN you invest in should not only be affordable but also packed with extras such as split tunneling, multiple simultaneous connections, and a money-back guarantee, and all the VPNs I recommend come with these perks.
The Rugby World Cup Season Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the Rugby World Cup?
There are many options. The broadcasting rights for the Rugby World Cup are typically sold to various TV networks around the world. In the UK, ITV has traditionally held the broadcasting rights for the Rugby World Cup, this season as well. In France, the main broadcaster for the event is TF1. For viewers in Ireland, matches are available on RTE Player. If you’re in the Netherlands, you can rely on Ziggo Sports to cover the games, while Australians can turn to 9Now for live coverage.
Remember that streaming platforms or services might require a subscription or one-off payment, so it’s a good idea to check in advance of the matches.
How can I watch the Rugby World Cup online with a VPN?
To watch the Rugby World Cup with a VPN, you need to follow these steps:
- Step 1: Download and set up a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN due to its reliable performance with platforms streaming the Rugby World Cup, impressive speeds for smooth streaming, and user-friendly apps.
- Step 2: Launch your VPN and select a local server. If the Rugby World Cup isn’t accessible in your location, using a VPN might, in theory, allow you to view it. However, be aware that doing so could breach the Terms of Service of most streaming services and potentially infringe on copyright laws.
- Step 3: Go to your streaming site or app. Find the Rugby World Cup broadcast, and dive into the action.
What is the best VPN for watching the Rugby World Cup?
My top pick for watching the Rugby World Cup is ExpressVPN. I was impressed with its excellent streaming support, compatibility with a wide range of platforms broadcasting the tournament, lightning-fast speeds, intuitive apps for all major devices, including routers, and strong security and privacy features.
Can I use a free VPN to watch the Rugby World Cup?
Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Although there are good free VPNs, most of them impose data limits, which can quickly be consumed by streaming HD sports events. The speeds on free services can also be slower, leading to frequent buffering. Additionally, the limited number of server locations might make it challenging to connect to a nearby server for the fastest possible speeds. Plus, some have been linked to intrusive ads, questionable logging practices, or even malware.
That’s why I recommend a trusted paid service like ExpressVPN, which has excellent streaming capabilities and offers fast speeds, lots of server locations, and top-notch security features.
