Japan vs Ireland Free Streams: How to watch Nations Championship 2026 game, TV Channels, Preview

• Watch Japan vs Ireland for FREE on Rugbypass TV (US) / Virgin Media Play (Ire) / ITVX (UK)
• Unlock your stream with NordVPN (save 75%)
• Saturday, July 11 at 6.10am ET / 11.10am BST

Saturday's Japan vs Ireland live stream in the 2026 Nations Championship sees two winning sides from the opening weekend go head-to-head in the neutral venue of the Newcastle International Sports Centre in Australia.

Despite featuring no fewer than four debutants in their side against Italy last Saturday, the Brave Blossoms were the dominant force in a convincing 27-10 win. Coach Eddie Jones really seems to know how to bring out the best in this side and, under his leadership, they always feel like a potential banana skin for more fancied teams. They've only beaten the Men in Green once before, but that was a huge upset in front of a home crowd during the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Can they produce an overdue second?

Ireland were but minutes away from heading into this game with one 'L' against their name after their opening game against Australia. A 76th minute converted try from unlikely scorer Tom Clarkson was followed up by a nerves-of-steel Sam Prendergast penalty to take a 2-point advantage into the last couple of minutes. They then watched in relief as the Wallabies’ Ben Donaldson missed one of his own.

Despite four other tries from Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier, Jamison Gibson-Park and Hugo Keenan, Ireland looked far from comfortable and Andy Farrell will be looking for a more galvanized display this time around.

Read on below for our guide on where to watch Japan vs Ireland on TV, and get Nations Championship 2026 free streams online.

Watch Japan vs Ireland for FREE

This game – along with every other match of the 2026 Nations Championship – will be streamed live and free across the US, UK and Ireland. The Japan vs Ireland live stream is set to be shown on:

🇺🇸 US: Rugbypass TV
🇬🇧 UK: ITVX
🇮🇪 Ireland: Virgin Media Play

What if you're abroad? Rugby fans from the US, UK and Ireland can use NordVPN to watch their usual streaming service from anywhere.

How to watch any Japan vs Ireland stream using a VPN

A VPN is a handy piece of software that can make your device appear as if it's back in your home country, so you can unlock your usual streaming services. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with a 75% discount now.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple:

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting New Zealand and want to view your usual US service, you'd select a United States server from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to your usual local streaming service and watch the rugby.

How to watch Japan vs Ireland live streams in the US

Japan vs Ireland and all 2026 Nations Championship matches will be live streamed for FREE on Rugbypass TV in the US.

The dedicated rugby streaming platform can be watched on its website or mobile app, and through Chromecast, Airplay, AppleTV and Android TV.

Outside the US for Japan vs Ireland? Use NordVPN to access your usual streams.

How to watch Japan vs Ireland live streams in the UK

Rugby fans in the UK can watch Japan vs Ireland for free on ITV.

TV coverage for Japan vs Ireland is on ITV1 while you can also stream it live and on demand via the free ITVX website and mobile app.

If you're outside the UK but want to tap into your usual coverage, check out NordVPN and follow the instructions above.

ITVX is a free service, though you need to be in possession of a valid UK TV Licence to watch its live streams, as this covers digital content consumption, too.

How to watch Japan vs Ireland live streams in Ireland

As mentioned above, all Nations Championship 2026 games will be on free-to-air TV in Ireland.

Virgin Media One is showing Japan vs Ireland, which means it will also be available to stream on the Virgin Media Play platform.

Not in Ireland right now? Check out NordVPN.

How to watch Japan vs Ireland live streams in Australia

In Australia, Japan vs Ireland will be on Stan Sport.

It costs $20 a month on top of a regular Stan subscription costing from $12 a month.

Away from Australia right now? Use a VPN to watch Stan Sport from abroad.

How to watch Japan vs Ireland live streams in New Zealand

Sky Sport is the Nations Championship 2026 TV rights holder in New Zealand.

You can access Sky Sport through satellite TV or get a live stream with the Sky Sport Now subscription service starting at NZ$29.99 per day or NZ$59.99 per month and watch Japan vs Ireland.

Missing the Japan vs Ireland game? NordVPN will give you access to your home streaming service.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.