The 2023 Rugby World Cup represented the pinnacle of the sport’s rising popularity, achieving 1.33 billion viewing hours across both linear broadcasts and live-streaming sites. As a result, global viewership increased by 30% when compared to the 2015 RWC, and 19% when you analyse figures from Japan in 2019.
Of course, the rise of streaming platforms and technology is also making it easier for fans to access live broadcasts wherever they are in the world. The same can be said for VPN technology, which masks your device’s IP address and enables you to access international streams and sites.
But what are the best sites for streaming rugby leagues and competitions?
Here’s our take on the top five!
Fox Sports
Fox Sports is one of the biggest streaming platforms of its type in the world, and it offers exclusive access to all major rugby leagues and international tournaments.
This site also features HD quality streams that deliver an optimal viewing experience, while comprehensive highlights packages allow you to enjoy your favorite performances indefinitely.
Fox Sports boasts a dedicated and comprehensive news resource too, alongside betting odds for upcoming matches. A typical subscription costs $72.99 per month, with this unlocking more than 100 live channels in total.
The platform is native to US viewers and you may need a VPN to access content if you reside outside of North America. This is definitely true if you’re a rugby fan who’s based in the UK!
RugbyPass TV
RugbyPass is a site that features a huge catalog of content, providing detailed news coverage of both domestic and international rugby tournaments.
It has also recently launched RugbyPass TV, which is a free streaming service that combines live broadcasts with exclusive documentaries and classic replays.
This diverse mix of content is exceptional, and should appeal to rugby fans across the globe!
Like Fox Sports, RugbyPass TV streams matches in HD quality, while the depth and range of its news coverage is second to none. Given that it’s also free to access, it has a distinct competitive advantage over many of its rival platforms.
Fubo TV
Fubo TV is another streaming platform disruptor in this space and one that arguably offers the most immersive Rugby viewing experience.
You can access well in excess of 100 live channels through Fubo TV, with the precise number available to you depending on your chosen subscription. A ‘Premier’ subscription will cost you $99.99 a month and unlock 274 channels in total, while you can sign up for as little as $79.99 per month.
You can certainly tailor your Fubo TV experience to suit your viewing tastes. We also like the range of rugby tournaments covered across both codes, including the Six Nations Championship, the Super League, and the aforementioned Rugby World Cup.
CBS Sports
Next up is CBS Sports, which is a hugely popular sports streaming platform that offers exceptional rugby coverage.
The site also delivers a diverse mix of live and on-demand content, including coverage of Major League Rugby (MLR) and the burgeoning scene in the states.
Once again, both club and international competitions can be streamed through CBS Sports. You can also access an intuitive interface and HD quality streams, while the platform’s news section keeps you informed about your favorite teams, leagues, and tournaments.
ESPN Sports
Last, but not least, we come to ESPN, which is one of the best-known and most revered sports streaming platforms in the world.
It’s also one of the very best streaming platforms for watching rugby, offering exclusive coverage of international tournaments and European leagues.
It can also call on an exceptional tech stack to deliver an immersive live viewing experience, including high-definition streams, highlights and player interviews.
You can stream through ESPN Sports for as little as $11 per month and $110 per year, making it one of the more affordable rugby streaming sites. You can also upgrade your subscription to ESPN +, which allows further personalization and lets you have the latest news and scores delivered to your device.
