URC Viewers Guide 2025-26: How to Watch Every Match
The United Rugby Championship (URC) is gearing up for another thrilling season, kicking off on September 26, 2025 and running through June 20, 2026. For fans eager to follow every scrum, tackle, and try, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to watch the URC live, no matter where you are.
Premier Sports: Your URC Hub
In the UK and Ireland, Premier Sports remains the primary broadcaster for all URC fixtures. Subscribers gain access not only to the URC but also to other top rugby competitions like the European Champions Cup and Top 14. Premier Sports offers various subscription options:
- Monthly: £16.99 (rolling basis)
- Annual: £120 (£10 per month equivalent)
- Year-long contract: £11.99 per month
Premier Sports is also available through Sky Q, Prime Video, STV Player, and Virgin Media.
Free-to-Air Options in the UK & Ireland
Good news for fans seeking free URC action! Select matches will be broadcast on free-to-air channels in both the UK and Ireland.
Welsh Regions on S4C (UK)
Welsh channel S4C will show one match featuring a Welsh region in every round of the competition, totaling 20 live games. A second Welsh fixture will be broadcast on a deferred, as-live basis. Coverage is available on the S4C terrestrial channel, S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer, and the S4C Chwaraeon YouTube channel, with commentary in both Welsh and English.
TG4: Irish Fans’ Free Pass
Irish viewers can enjoy at least 26 live games on TG4 and its TG4 Player, including the final in June and selected quarter-finals and semi-finals.
Watching the URC From Abroad: VPNs to the Rescue
Traveling abroad doesn’t mean missing out. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access your usual streaming services as if you were back home. NordVPN is currently recommended by tech experts at TechRadar and Tom’s Guide.
Pro Tip: Always check the terms and conditions of your streaming service before using a VPN to ensure compliance.
URC Coverage in South Africa
South African fans can follow the Stormers, Bulls, Sharks, and Lions via SuperSport, with various package options available through DStv or streaming.
URC Coverage in the USA
Fans in the United States can stream the URC on FloRugby. A monthly subscription costs $29.99, although an annual subscription is $150.
Round 12 Fixtures (February 27-28, 2026)
- February 27: Cardiff Rugby v Leinster (Cardiff Arms Park, 7.00pm GMT) & Edinburgh v Scarlets (Hive Stadium, 7.45pm GMT)
- February 28: Lions v Stormers (Ellis Park, 12.30pm GMT), Bulls v Sharks (Loftus Versfeld, 3.00pm GMT), Connacht v Glasgow Warriors (Dexcom Stadium, 3.00pm GMT), Munster v Zebre Parma (Thomond Park, 5.30pm GMT), Dragons v Benetton (Rodney Parade, 5.30pm GMT), Ospreys v Ulster (Electric Brewery Field, 7.45pm GMT)
FAQ
Q: Where can I watch every URC game in the UK and Ireland?
A: Premier Sports has the rights to every URC fixture.
Q: Are any URC games free to watch in the UK?
A: Yes, S4C broadcasts one Welsh region match per round live, with another on a deferred basis.
Q: Can I watch the URC if I’m traveling abroad?
A: Yes, using a VPN allows you to access your home streaming services.
Q: Where can I watch the URC in South Africa?
A: SuperSport is the broadcaster in South Africa.
Q: Where can I watch the URC in the USA?
A: FloRugby streams all URC matches in the USA.
Don’t miss a moment of the action! Explore the United Rugby Championship fixtures for the 2025-26 season and plan your viewing schedule today.
