Rugby World Cup 2023 TV Schedule: Live Stream Guide (UK)
The Rugby World Cup 2023 will be broadcast exclusively in the UK by ITV, featuring an all-star line-up of presenters and pundits.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to catch all the action, from broadcasting rights to live streaming and the full TV schedule.
2023 RWC TV Channel & Broadcasting Rights in the United Kingdom
ITV has secured exclusive rights to broadcast all 48 matches of the tournament in the UK, including all the Group stages, knockout rounds, and the grand finale at the Stade de France. The matches will be aired across ITV1, ITV4, and the streaming channel ITVX.
For fans in Wales, S4C will also be showing all Wales matches live, along with the opening game and the final.
If you’re a fan of radio commentary, the BBC has you covered with live broadcasts across Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, and the BBC Sounds service.
How to Live Stream Rugby World Cup free in the UK?
One of the perks of ITV’s exclusive broadcasting rights is that fans can watch all games live and for free on the go through the ITVX app.
The app will not only feature live matches but also provide short highlights, exclusive interviews, and in-depth analysis. Simply download the ITVX app from your device’s app store and you’re good to go.
Rugby World Cup 2023 ITV Programs & Broadcasting Team
ITV has assembled a veritable who’s who of rugby to provide analysis, commentary, and insights. Mark Pougatch and Jill Douglas will lead the presentation, supported by a team of co-commentators including Ben Kay, Ugo Monye, and Nolli Waterman.
Expert analysis will be provided by legends like Jonny Wilkinson, Sam Warburton, and Sir Ian McGeechan among many others.
ITV’s coverage will also feature cutting-edge technology, including an interactive studio set that allows pundits to engage in physical analysis.
An augmented reality set will also present a Parisian backdrop to add local flavor. Former referee JP Doyle will be on standby to explain the latest rule changes.
Rugby World Cup 2023 TV Schedule (UK)
While the full schedule will be extensive, the tournament kicks off on September 8 at 6.45 pm on ITV1 and ITVX with a thrilling match between host nation France and New Zealand.
| Date | Time (BST) | Fixtures | TV Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Sept. 8, 2023 | 8:15 pm | France v New Zealand | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sat, Sept. 9, 2023 | 5:00 pm | Italy v Namibia | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sat, Sept. 9, 2023 | 2:30 pm | Ireland v Romania | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sat, Sept. 9, 2023 | 8:00 pm | Australia v Georgia | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sun, Sept. 10, 2023 | 12:00 pm | England v Argentina | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sun, Sept. 10, 2023 | 4:45 pm | Japan v Chile | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sun, Sept. 10, 2023 | 8:00 pm | South Africa v Scotland | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Thu, Sept. 14, 2023 | 8:00 pm | Wales v Fiji | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Fri, Sept. 15, 2023 | 8:00 pm | France v Uruguay | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sat, Sept. 16, 2023 | 2:00 pm | New Zealand v Namibia | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sat, Sept. 16, 2023 | 4:45 pm | Samoa v Chile | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sat, Sept. 16, 2023 | 8:00 pm | Wales v Portugal | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sun, Sept. 17, 2023 | 2:00 pm | Ireland v Tonga | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sun, Sept. 17, 2023 | 4:45 pm | South Africa v Romania | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sun, Sept. 17, 2023 | 8:00 pm | Australia v Fiji | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Wed, Sept. 20, 2023 | 4:45 pm | England v Japan | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Thu, Sept. 21, 2023 | 8:00 pm | Italy v Uruguay | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Fri, Sept. 22, 2023 | 4:45 pm | France v Namibia | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sat, Sept. 23, 2023 | 1:00 pm | Argentina v Samoa | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sat, Sept. 23, 2023 | 4:45 pm | Georgia v Portugal | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sat, Sept. 23, 2023 | 8:00 pm | England v Chile | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sun, Sept. 24, 2023 | 4:45 pm | South Africa v Ireland | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sun, Sept. 24, 2023 | 8:00 pm | Scotland v Tonga | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Wed, Sept. 27, 2023 | 4:45 pm | Wales v Australia | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Fri, Sept. 29, 2023 | 8:00 pm | Uruguay v Namibia | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sat, Sept. 30, 2023 | 2:00 pm | Japan v Samoa | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sat, Sept. 30, 2023 | 4:45 pm | Argentina v Chile | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sat, Sept. 30, 2023 | 8:00 pm | Fiji v Georgia | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sun, Oct. 1, 2023 | 4:45 pm | Scotland v Romania | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sun, Oct. 1, 2023 | 8:00 pm | Australia v Portugal | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Thu, Oct. 5, 2023 | 8:00 pm | South Africa v Tonga | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Fri, Oct. 6, 2023 | 8:00 pm | New Zealand v Uruguay | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sat, Oct. 7, 2023 | 2:00 pm | France v Italy | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sat, Oct. 7, 2023 | 4:45 pm | Wales v Georgia | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sat, Oct. 7, 2023 | 8:00 pm | England v Samoa | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sun, Oct. 8, 2023 | 12:00 pm | Ireland v Scotland | ITV 1 / ITVX |
| Sun, Oct. 8, 2023 | 12:00 pm | Japan v Argentina | ITV 4 / ITVX |
| Sun, Oct. 8, 2023 | 8:00 pm | Tonga v Romania | ITV 4 / ITVX |
| Sat, Oct. 14, 2023 | 4:00 pm | Fiji v Portugal | ITV 4 / ITVX |
| Sat, Oct. 14, 2023 | 8:00 pm | TBC v TBC (Quarter Final) | ITV 4 / ITVX |
| Sun, Oct. 15, 2023 | 4:00 pm | TBC v TBC (Quarter Final) | ITV 4 / ITVX |
| Sun, Oct. 15, 2023 | 8:00 pm | TBC v TBC (Quarter Final) | ITV 4 / ITVX |
| Fri, Oct. 20, 2023 | 8:00 pm | TBC v TBC (Quarter Final) | ITV 4 / ITVX |
| Sat, Oct. 21, 2023 | 8:00 pm | TBC v TBC (Semi Final) | ITV 4 / ITVX |
| Fri, Oct. 27, 2023 | 8:00 pm | TBC v TBC (Semi Final) | ITV 4 / ITVX |
| Sun, Oct. 28, 2023 | 8:00 pm | TBC v TBC (Bronze Medal) | ITV 4 / ITVX |
| Sun, Oct. 28, 2023 | 8:00 pm | TBC v TBC (Final) | ITV 4 / ITVX |
Final Words
The 2023 Rugby World Cup promises to be an unforgettable spectacle, and thanks to ITV’s comprehensive coverage, fans in the UK won’t miss a second of the action. Whether you plan to watch on your TV, laptop, or mobile device, you’re well-covered.
FAQs
ITV1, ITV4, and streaming channel ITVX will broadcast all 48 matches. Welsh channel S4C will show all Wales matches, the opening game, and the final.
Yes, you can stream all the matches for free on the ITVX app.
Mark Pougatch, Jill Douglas, Jonny Wilkinson, Sam Warburton, and many other rugby legends will be part of the ITV team.
The tournament starts on September 8, 2023, and ends on October 28, 2023.
Make sure to mark your calendars, download the apps, and get ready for what promises to be the most unpredictable Rugby World Cup yet!
