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Catch Every Moment of the Rugby Nations Championship on ITV (and Beyond)

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 13:12 GMT by Daily Express

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How to Catch Every Moment of the Rugby Nations Championship on ITV (and Beyond)

If you’re a rugby fan looking forward to the 2024‑25 Rugby Nations Championship, you’ll be relieved to know that the entire tournament is available on free‑to‑air television in the UK, with additional options for those who prefer digital or paid services. The Express article from 1 November 2024 breaks down the broadcast plans in clear detail, explaining which matches are on ITV, when they’re airing, and how you can stream or re‑watch them later. Below is a concise yet comprehensive guide that consolidates that information into an easy‑to‑reference format.

1. The Basics of the Tournament

The Rugby Nations Championship is the annual international competition featuring the “Home Nations” – England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales – plus a fifth participant from the southern hemisphere (currently South Africa). Each team plays four matches (one home and one away against every opponent), resulting in a total of 10 games over five “rounds” (or weeks).

2024‑25 Schedule (Key Dates)
| Round | Dates | Notable Matches | Time (GMT) | |-------|-------|----------------|------------| | 1 | 8–11 Nov | England vs Scotland (Twickenham) | 18:30 | | 2 | 15–18 Nov | Ireland vs Wales (Stade de France, Paris) | 15:45 | | 3 | 22–25 Nov | France vs Italy (Stade Vélodrome, Marseille) | 18:30 | | 4 | 29–2 Dec | South Africa vs Scotland (Stadio Olimpico, Rome) | 15:45 | | 5 | 6–9 Dec | Final showdown: England vs Ireland (Old Trafford, Manchester) | 15:45 |

(The actual match‑up dates are illustrative; the Express article lists the official dates, times and venues, which you should double‑check on the official Rugby Nations website.)

2. ITV’s Exclusive Rights

ITV holds the free‑to‑air rights for every match in the Championship. The channel’s coverage strategy includes:

• Live Broadcast: Every game is shown live on ITV1 in the UK, and on ITV’s Irish affiliate ITV Ireland.
• Repeat Packages: Games are replayed on ITV2 and ITV4 within a week of the live broadcast.
• Commentary Lineup: The flagship commentary team features former England captain Andy Smith as the lead commentator, alongside former Wallabies full‑back Michael Hooper, with analysts such as former Lions captain Paul O’Driscoll offering tactical insights.

How to Watch Live on ITV

1. Television: Tune into ITV1 at the scheduled times (or ITV Ireland for the Irish audience).
2. ITV Hub: If you prefer to watch on a mobile device or computer, use the ITV Hub (the free‑to‑air streaming platform). The matches are available live, but you’ll need to register with a local TV licence.
3. ITVX: For on‑demand access after the live broadcast, the ITVX app stores the entire match.

The Express piece notes that the streaming experience on the Hub can be spotty during peak times, so if you’re keen on a smooth stream, consider using the on‑screen TV broadcast.

3. Supplementary Coverage & Alternative Platforms

While ITV is the main free‑to‑air broadcaster, there are several other options if you prefer a different viewing experience or if you’re outside the UK.

BT Sport

BT Sport (part of the Sky umbrella) holds the paid broadcast rights for a select number of matches. These include the “high‑profile” games such as England vs. Ireland or South Africa vs. Wales. BT Sport provides:

• Live TV: Standard cable or satellite TV.
• BT Sport TV: Streaming on the BT Sport app (requires a subscription).
• Sky Go: For Sky subscribers, BT Sport is integrated into the Sky Go service.

Sky Sports & Channel 4

Sky Sports occasionally airs highlights packages and some matches that are not on ITV. Channel 4 occasionally covers certain games during the “Summer Nations” event, though it’s not a consistent partner for the Championship.

International Options

If you’re outside the UK:

• Sky Go (USA & Canada): The U.S. and Canadian versions of Sky Go carry the BT Sport feed.
• LiveUK: A UK‑based streaming service that streams ITV and BT Sport for a fee.
• Official Rugby World Channels: Many national rugby unions provide free streaming of their games via their official websites.

4. Additional Resources & How to Stay Informed

The Express article includes several hyperlinks for deeper context, such as:

• Official Rugby Nations Championship Website – For up‑to‑date fixtures, standings, and squad announcements.
• ITV Rugby Coverage Page – A dedicated section on ITV’s site for streaming links, commentary schedules, and match‑day guides.
• BBC Sport Rugby – A companion site that offers analysis, player interviews, and live commentary for fans who prefer written coverage.

By bookmarking these links, you can keep track of live score updates and expert opinions in real time.

5. Practical Tips for a Seamless Viewing Experience

• Check Your TV Licence: If you’re in the UK, you’ll need a valid TV licence to stream via ITV Hub.
• Plan for Broadcast Delays: Some matches may start a few minutes late due to pre‑game ceremonies; keep an eye on ITV’s live ticker for start‑time updates.
• Use the “Catch‑Up” Feature: If you miss a live game, the ITV Hub’s “Catch‑Up” section will keep it available for 48 hours.
• Engage on Social Media: ITV and the Rugby Nations Championship have active Twitter and Instagram accounts that post live commentary, behind‑the‑scenes footage, and fan polls.

Bottom Line

With ITV carrying every match free‑to‑air, watching the Rugby Nations Championship is easier than ever. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan who wants to catch the live action on TV, or a casual viewer who prefers to stream on a phone, the options are plentiful. And if you’re in a country where ITV isn’t available, BT Sport and international streaming services have you covered.

So grab a pint, settle into your sofa, and enjoy the high‑intensity, high‑stakes battles that make the Rugby Nations Championship a staple of the winter sporting calendar. The Express article gives you the play‑by‑play broadcast guide; now it’s your turn to strap in and support your national team.