Women’s Six Nations 2026: Your Complete Guide to Watching Every Match
The 2026 Women’s Six Nations is fast approaching, kicking off on April 11th and running through May 17th. Whether you’re a seasoned rugby fan or recent to the game, here’s everything you need to know about how to tune in and follow all the action, no matter where you are in the world.
Free-to-Air Coverage Across Europe
Good news for fans in participating nations! As with the men’s tournament, the Women’s Six Nations will be widely available for free. In the UK, the BBC holds the exclusive rights to broadcast every single game. Irish fans can split their viewing between RTÉ and Virgin Media. France Télévisions will show all matches in France, although in Italy, five games featuring the Italian team will be broadcast on Sky, with simulcasts available on RAI.
Even if a match isn’t on a traditional television channel, it will be available to stream online via each broadcaster’s respective platform.
Streaming Options for International Viewers
If you’re outside of the UK, Ireland, France, or Italy, or traveling abroad during the tournament, accessing your home country’s coverage can be tricky. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help. By changing your IP address, a VPN allows you to virtually relocate and access streaming services as if you were back home.
Where to Watch in the US, Australia, and New Zealand
For viewers in the United States, all 15 games will be streamed live on Peacock, requiring a subscription of $7.99 per month or $79.99 annually. In Australia, Stan Sport will host all matches live and on demand, as an add-on to a Stan subscription.
Key Dates to Mark on Your Calendar
Here’s a quick look at the match schedule:
- April 11th: France vs. Italy, England vs. Ireland
- April 18th: Scotland vs. England, Wales vs. France, Ireland vs. Italy
- April 25th: England vs. Wales, Italy vs. Scotland, France vs. Ireland
- May 9th: Italy vs. England, Scotland vs. France, Ireland vs. Wales
- May 17th: Wales vs. Italy, Ireland vs. Scotland, France vs. England
England: The Team to Beat
England enters the tournament as the clear favorites, having won the trophy 16 times since 2002 and currently boasting a seven-year winning streak dating back to 2019. Expect a fierce competition as other teams aim to dethrone the reigning champions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Women’s Six Nations free to watch?
A: Yes, in the UK, Ireland, France, and Italy, the tournament is available to watch for free on BBC, RTÉ, Virgin Media, France Télévisions, and RAI.
Q: What is a VPN and how can it help me watch?
A: A VPN allows you to change your IP address, making it appear as if you are located in another country. This can unlock geo-restricted streaming services.
Q: Where can I watch the Women’s Six Nations in the US?
A: All 15 games will be streamed live on Peacock.
Q: Will all matches be shown on TV?
A: While not every match will be broadcast on terrestrial television, all games will be available to stream online.
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