Rugby is a thrilling sport with a massive global following, and fans are always eager to catch the latest matches live on TV. Whether you’re into Rugby Union, Rugby League, or Sevens, there are numerous broadcasting options available depending on your location and the competitions being played. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of where you can watch rugby on TV today, covering major leagues, tournaments, and the best channels to tune into.
Major Rugby Competitions & Their Broadcasters
Rugby enjoys extensive coverage across various networks, with different broadcasters holding rights to specific tournaments. Some of the most prominent competitions include:
International Rugby
International matches, such as those in the Six Nations, The Rugby Championship, and autumn internationals, are widely televised. In the UK and Ireland, BBC, ITV, and S4C often share broadcasting rights for the Six Nations, while Sky Sports and Stan Sport cover The Rugby Championship in Australia and New Zealand. In South Africa, SuperSport is the go-to channel for international rugby.
Club Rugby
Club competitions like the English Premiership, Top 14 (France), United Rugby Championship (URC), and Super Rugby Pacific attract massive audiences. In the UK, BT Sport (now TNT Sports) is the primary broadcaster for the Premiership, while Sky Sports covers the URC. French fans can watch Top 14 on Canal+ and beIN Sports, while Super Rugby is broadcast on Stan Sport (Australia), Sky Sport NZ (New Zealand), and SuperSport (South Africa).
Rugby League
For Rugby League enthusiasts, the NRL (Australia) and Super League (UK) are the top competitions. Sky Sports broadcasts Super League matches in the UK, while Fox League and Channel Nine cover NRL games in Australia. In the US, Fox Sports and ESPN occasionally air Rugby League matches.
Rugby Sevens
The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series is a fast-paced, high-energy tournament series. Broadcasters like NBC Sports (USA), Sky Sports (UK), and SuperSport (South Africa) provide live coverage of these events.
Regional TV Coverage of Rugby
United Kingdom & Ireland
Rugby fans in the UK and Ireland have multiple options. BBC and ITV share Six Nations coverage, while TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) holds rights for the Premiership and European Champions Cup. Sky Sports is essential for URC and some international fixtures. Premier Sports also broadcasts Pro D2 and other European leagues.
Australia & New Zealand
Stan Sport has become the leading rugby broadcaster in Australia, covering Super Rugby Pacific, The Rugby Championship, and international Tests. In New Zealand, Sky Sport NZ is the primary provider for nearly all major rugby events.
South Africa
SuperSport dominates rugby broadcasting in South Africa, showing everything from the URC to international Tests and the Currie Cup.
United States & Canada
In North America, NBC Sports and Peacock stream Premiership Rugby, Six Nations, and some international matches. FloRugby is another platform that covers various competitions, including MLR (Major League Rugby).
France
France’s rugby coverage is split between Canal+ and beIN Sports, which broadcast Top 14, European competitions, and international fixtures involving the French national team.
Streaming Alternatives for Rugby
If traditional TV isn’t an option, streaming services provide excellent alternatives. Many broadcasters offer online platforms:
- TNT Sports (UK): Covers Premiership and European rugby.
- Stan Sport (Australia):The best option for Super Rugby and international matches.
- Peacock (USA):Streams Premiership and Six Nations.
- DAZN :Available in several countries, including Canada and Germany, offering rugby coverage.
- RugbyPass :A dedicated streaming service for rugby fans, particularly in Asia.
How to Find Today’s Rugby Schedule
To ensure you don’t miss any action, check official rugby websites like World Rugby, Premiership Rugby, or Super Rugby’s fixtures page. Sports TV guides such as ESPN’s schedule or Sky Sports’ rugby listings are also helpful. Mobile apps like SofaScore and FlashScore provide real-time updates on match timings and broadcasting channels.
Conclusion
Rugby fans have plenty of options to watch their favorite sport on TV today, whether through traditional broadcasters or streaming platforms. The key is knowing which competitions are being played and which networks hold the broadcasting rights in your region. From the Six Nations to Super Rugby, there’s always exciting rugby action to enjoy. Stay updated with TV listings and streaming services to catch every try, tackle, and thrilling moment live.
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