Danica Djokic
Updated on: November 17, 2023
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Watch the Rugby World Cup Online With a VPN in 2024:
- Step 1: Download and install a VPN. My top pick is ExpressVPN — it consistently works with platforms that stream the Rugby World Cup, offers blazing-fast speeds for uninterrupted streams, and has easy-to-use apps and a large server network.
- Step 2: Connect to a VPN server. Start your VPN app and pick a VPN server. If the Rugby World Cup isn’t available in your location, you may be able to theoretically watch it with a VPN. However, please keep in mind that this would be a violation of most streaming platforms’ Terms of Service and may be considered a copyright infringement.
- Step 3: Log into the streaming platform and start watching. Find the Rugby World Cup stream and enjoy the game.
I recommend that everyone watch the Rugby World Cup matches with a VPN. A VPN ensures your online privacy and security while streaming by encrypting your internet traffic. It’s also an invaluable tool for stopping your internet service provider (ISP) from throttling your speeds so you can enjoy the game without any interruptions.
A VPN, in theory, can also allow you to watch the Rugby World Cup from a different location. But this breaks most streaming platforms’ Terms of Service and may even be regarded as breaking copyright law — neither I nor anyone else at SafetyDetectives condone this action.
However, not all VPNs are suitable for streaming the Rugby World Cup. Some don’t work with platforms that carry Rugby World Cup matches. Others aren’t fast enough or come with difficult-to-use apps.
My colleagues, who are from all over the world, and I tested dozens of VPNs and picked the best 3 providers for streaming the Rugby World Cup. My top recommendation is ExpressVPN, as it works Rugby World Cup streaming sites 100% of the time, delivers the fastest speeds, has intuitive apps for all major devices, and provides a vast server network.
Best VPNs for Watching the Rugby World Cup in 2024
- 🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for watching the Rugby World Cup.
- 🥈2. Private Internet Access — Excellent for streaming the Rugby World Cup on mobile.
- 🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Dedicated streaming servers for watching the Rugby World Cup.
- Comparison of the Best VPNs For Watching the Rugby World Cup.
My colleagues and I at SafetyDetectives don’t condone breaking any copyright laws. The VPNs I recommend have no-logs policies that prevent them from viewing or logging your online activities, so it’s up to you to responsibly use the VPN.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Watching the Rugby World Cup in 2024
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming the Rugby World Cup. I was able to watch the group stages on Sport Klub, but I also asked our international team to test it in their locations, and they found it fully compatible with popular platforms that carry this year’s matches.
Thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN delivers the fastest speeds on the market. My experience with streaming was top-notch — my HD stream started almost instantly, I didn’t experience any buffering or lag, and 4K videos also played smoothly.
I like that ExpressVPN lets you split-tunnel apps. This feature allows users to select which apps use the VPN and which access the internet directly. For instance, while streaming the Rugby World Cup through Sport Klub via the VPN, I could still visit my bank site (which bans VPN).
ExpressVPN comes with a smart DNS tool called MediaStreamer. It won’t encrypt your traffic; instead, it lets you stream content on devices that don’t traditionally support VPNs, such as smart TVs or gaming consoles. Plus, there’s a native router app so that any device connected to your network can get protection from ExpressVPN without having to manually install it on each one of them.
The provider comes with feature-rich and easy-to-use apps for all major devices. With the Smart Location tool, you can easily connect to the nearest and fastest server. The Shortcuts feature is especially handy. For instance, you can set up shortcuts to your preferred streaming platforms and start watching rugby matches with a single click as soon as you connect to a local server.
ExpressVPN offers strong security and privacy measures. It comes with an independently audited no-logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain private. It also utilizes RAM-only servers, so no data is stored on physical hard drives.
Furthermore, it offers full protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. Plus, ExpressVPN has a Threat Manager tool that shields users from fake malicious websites that imitate legitimate platforms broadcasting Rugby World Cup matches. Additionally, perfect forward secrecy ensures that even if a session key is compromised, your past or future sessions remain secure.
ExpressVPN offers several plans, with prices starting at $6.67 / month. Moreover, the company provides a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the service risk-free.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great for Streaming the Rugby World Cup on Mobile Devices
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a great option for streaming rugby on mobile apps. The installation process is swift thanks to comprehensive tutorials. You’ll also get handy features like a big power button for quick connection to servers, server filtering options (by name, latency, or favorites), and automation scenarios (you can set PIA to connect automatically upon establishing a Wi-Fi connection, for example).
PIA consistently works with streaming platforms that carry the Rugby World Cup. It’s compatible with Sport Klub, ITVX, TF1, 9now, Channel 4, The Rugby Network, BBC, and Kiwi TVNZ. Plus, PIA has a large server network that spans 91 countries, so you can always find a fast and stable connection option.
PIA offers smart DNS and manual router support, enabling coverage for all devices on the network. It also allows unlimited connections, so you have options if everyone in your family wants to stream the Rugby World Cup on separate devices. Still, I prefer ExpressVPN, as it comes with a native router app, so you don’t have to manually configure settings.
In my testing, PIA delivered excellent speeds. While it might not be as fast as ExpressVPN, my streams in HD quality loaded in just 2 seconds without any lags, while 4K videos started in 3 seconds.
You’ll get excellent privacy and security measures, too. PIA has an independently audited no-logs policy, and it regularly publishes transparency reports, which prove the VPN is unable to share user data with government agencies or law enforcement. And its apps are open-source so anyone can inspect the code for vulnerabilities. It also features RAM-only servers, full leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and the MACE ad blocker that’ll protect you from fake malicious sites promoting the event broadcasts.
I like that PIA lets users split-tunnel both apps and IP addresses. This way you can split-tunnel only the specific site used for streaming the Rugby World Cup, rather than the entire browser for even faster speeds.
Private Internet Access offers affordable plans that start at $2.11 / month. It backs all plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Dedicated Streaming Servers for the Rugby World Cup
CyberGhost VPN offers 100+ dedicated servers optimized for streaming. These servers provide fast speeds for smooth streaming and are tested frequently to ensure that they work with specific streaming platforms.
CyberGhost has streaming-optimized servers for plenty of channels that broadcast the Rugby World Cup: ITV, TF1, France TV, 9Now, RTE Player, and NBC Sports — so users in the countries where these streaming services are available can connect to these dedicated servers. Plus, it provides smart DNS and router support, so you can enjoy the games on a big screen.
For those new to VPNs, CyberGhost is a great option. The platform offers easy-to-use apps with video tutorials for hassle-free installation. Its Smart Rules feature allows, for instance, automatic connection to a specific app such as ITV or NBC as soon as you connect to a local server.
When I tested it, CyberGhost delivered pretty good speeds. While it didn’t outperform ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access, it let me open HD videos in about 2–3 seconds, while 4K videos took less than 5 seconds to load, with minor buffering.
CyberGhost is very secure, too. It comes with an independently audited no-logs policy and operates RAM-only servers. However, it only offers protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, while competitors like ExpressVPN provide full leak protection. Moreover, it has perfect forward secrecy, split-tunneling (apps only and available on just Android), and a Content Blocker that blocks malicious sites.
CyberGhost VPN’s pricing plans start at $2.03 / month. It backs its long-term plan with a reassuring 45-day money-back guarantee, while short-term plans come with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost VPN review
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Watching the Rugby World Cup in 2024
How to Choose the Best VPN for Watching the Rugby World Cup in 2024
- Sign up for a VPN with excellent streaming support. A good VPN should integrate with platforms broadcasting the Rugby World Cup, such as ITV, TF1, 9Now, and more. ExpressVPN works with 100+ streaming apps, including the ones mentioned.
- Look for lightning-fast speeds for streaming. Every VPN will slightly slow down your speed because of the encryption it applies. However, with the premium ones, you won’t notice any latency. All the VPNs I recommend offer fast speeds fit for seamless streaming.
- Opt for user-friendly VPN apps. The VPN should come with apps compatible with all major devices. Installation should be straightforward, and you should be able to start the streams in no time. All the VPNs on my list tick these boxes.
- Get a VPN with top-notch security measures. You should be able to stream the Rugby World Cup without worrying about your privacy and security. I only recommend VPNs equipped with standard features such as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch that prevents data leaks by blocking internet access when the VPN connection drops, protection against IPv6, DNS, or WebRTC leaks, and a strict no-logs policy.
- Insist on value for your money. The VPN you invest in should not only be affordable but also packed with extras such as split tunneling, multiple simultaneous connections, and a money-back guarantee, and all the VPNs I recommend come with these perks.
How to Watch the Rugby World Cup on Any Device
How to Watch the Rugby World Cup on Your PC or Mac Device
- Pick a VPN that is compatible with streaming platforms. My top pick is ExpressVPN, as it consistently works with 100+ streaming apps, including those that broadcast the Rugby World Cup.
- Download and install the VPN. Follow the on-screen instructions to set it up on your device.
- Launch the VPN app and connect to a local server. Now, you can watch Rugby World Cup matches.
How to Watch the Rugby World Cup on Your Smartphone or Tablet
- Choose a VPN with easy-to-use Android and iOS apps. I like ExpressVPN’s intuitive mobile apps, great speeds, and excellent streaming support.
- Download and install the VPN’s mobile app. Go to your app store and follow the instructions. The setup process usually takes only a minute or two.
- Open the app and connect to a local server. Now, you can start watching Rugby World Cup games.
How to Watch the Rugby World Cup on Your Smart TV
- Sign up for a VPN that works with smart TVs. I recommend ExpressVPN, as it has user-friendly apps for smart TVs and a dedicated router app.
- On Android TVs. Download and install the VPN app from the Google App Store directly onto your TV.
- On non-Android TVs. Manually set up the VPN on your router or use ExpressVPN’s native router app. Once you’re done, all devices in your home network will automatically connect to the VPN.
- Connect to a local server. Now you can watch your favorite games on a big screen.
How to Watch the Rugby World Cup on Amazon Fire Stick
- Go for a VPN that works with Amazon Fire Stick. You can’t go wrong with ExpressVPN, as it has a feature-rich Fire Stick app.
- Download and install the VPN app. Find the app in your Amazon App Store, and you’ll be able to install it within roughly 2 minutes.
- Start the VPN app and connect to a nearby server. Now, watch the Rugby World Cup games and enjoy.
How to Watch the Rugby World Cup on Your Gaming Console
- Pick a VPN that works on routers. I’d go for ExpressVPN, as it’s one of the only VPNs with a dedicated router app, but other VPNs on my list have router support.
- Set up the VPN on your router. If you’re using a native router app, you can install it in about 8 minutes. For manual installation, you’ll need up to 15 minutes.
- Go to the streaming site on your gaming console. That’s it! You’re all set to watch the game.
What Streaming Services Show the Rugby World Cup?
The Rugby World Cup Season Schedule
Hypothetically, it’s possible to use a VPN to watch the Rugby World Cup on streaming platforms from a different location, but please keep in mind that doing so would be against most streaming platforms’ Terms of Service and may be breaking copyright laws. This isn’t something that I or any of my colleagues at SafetyDetectives condone. So while the VPNs we recommend have strict no-logging policies and don’t see or record what you’re doing online, we urge you to follow all applicable rules and regulations when using a VPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the Rugby World Cup?
There are many options. The broadcasting rights for the Rugby World Cup are typically sold to various TV networks around the world. In the UK, ITV has traditionally held the broadcasting rights for the Rugby World Cup, this season as well. In France, the main broadcaster for the event is TF1. For viewers in Ireland, matches are available on RTE Player. If you’re in the Netherlands, you can rely on Ziggo Sports to cover the games, while Australians can turn to 9Now for live coverage.
Remember that streaming platforms or services might require a subscription or one-off payment, so it’s a good idea to check in advance of the matches.
How can I watch the Rugby World Cup online with a VPN?
To watch the Rugby World Cup with a VPN, you need to follow these steps:
- Step 1: Download and set up a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN due to its reliable performance with platforms streaming the Rugby World Cup, impressive speeds for smooth streaming, and user-friendly apps.
- Step 2: Launch your VPN and select a local server. If the Rugby World Cup isn’t accessible in your location, using a VPN might, in theory, allow you to view it. However, be aware that doing so could breach the Terms of Service of most streaming services and potentially infringe on copyright laws.
- Step 3: Go to your streaming site or app. Find the Rugby World Cup broadcast, and dive into the action.
What is the best VPN for watching the Rugby World Cup?
My top pick for watching the Rugby World Cup is ExpressVPN. I was impressed with its excellent streaming support, compatibility with a wide range of platforms broadcasting the tournament, lightning-fast speeds, intuitive apps for all major devices, including routers, and strong security and privacy features.
Can I use a free VPN to watch the Rugby World Cup?
Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Although there are good free VPNs, most of them impose data limits, which can quickly be consumed by streaming HD sports events. The speeds on free services can also be slower, leading to frequent buffering. Additionally, the limited number of server locations might make it challenging to connect to a nearby server for the fastest possible speeds. Plus, some have been linked to intrusive ads, questionable logging practices, or even malware.
That’s why I recommend a trusted paid service like ExpressVPN, which has excellent streaming capabilities and offers fast speeds, lots of server locations, and top-notch security features.
