Where to Watch Rugby in the USA | 2025 Guide

By Sarah Miller · July 15, 2034

If you're wondering where to watch rugby in the USA, the primary platforms include NBC Sports, Peacock, ESPN+, Fox Sports, and The Rugby Network. Major tournaments like the Six Nations, Rugby World Cup, and Premiership Rugby are broadcast on these services, with free options such as network TV (NBC, Fox) offering select live games. For club-level and international matches, streaming subscriptions provide comprehensive coverage.

Top Platforms to Watch Rugby in the USA

Rugby fans in the United States have several reliable options to follow domestic and international competitions. Below are the leading broadcasters and streaming services that offer live and on-demand rugby content.

NBC Sports & Peacock

NBC holds exclusive U.S. rights to the Six Nations Championship and selected Rugby World Cup matches.
Live games air on NBC or NBCSN (now under NBC Sports), with full replays and highlights available on Peacock.
Peacock offers both free and premium tiers; premium includes live streams of all Six Nations matches and archived content.

ESPN+

Home of Premiership Rugby (England’s top league), including every match streamed live.
Covers Super Rugby Pacific, United Rugby Championship (URC), and select international tours.

Fox Sports

Broadcasts select matches from the United Rugby Championship and The Rugby Championship (featuring New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina).
Some games appear on FS1 or FS2, while others stream via the Fox Sports app with provider login.

The Rugby Network (TRN)

Dedicated platform for North American rugby fans, offering free and paid content.
Features Major League Rugby (MLR) matches, youth tournaments, documentaries, and coaching clinics.
Available on web, iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV.

Streaming Devices and Apps

To access rugby content, ensure your device supports the relevant apps:

Peacock: Available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TVs.
ESPN+: Works across most platforms including gaming consoles and Chromecast.

Fox Sports App

The Rugby Network: Free app with no paywall for MLR regular-season games.

Major Rugby Competitions Available in the USA

A wide range of international and club-level tournaments are accessible to American viewers. Below is a breakdown of key events and their U.S. broadcast partners.

Competition	U.S. Broadcaster	Streaming Option	Annual Schedule	Free Access?
Six Nations	NBC / NBC Sports	Peacock	February–March	Yes (selected games on NBC)
Premiership Rugby	ESPN+	ESPN App	September–June	No
Super Rugby Pacific	ESPN+	ESPN App	February–August	No
United Rugby Championship	Fox Sports	Fox Sports App	September–June	Limited (FS1/FS2)
Rugby World Cup	NBC	Peacock	Every 4 years (next: 2027)	Yes (main matches on NBC)
Major League Rugby	TRN, Fox Sports	The Rugby Network	March–July	Yes (on TRN)

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that NBC and ESPN+ dominate rugby broadcasting in the U.S., covering nearly all major international and club competitions. While premium access is required for consistent viewing, free options like Peacock's limited tier and The Rugby Network make it possible to follow key leagues without subscription costs. Notably, Major League Rugby has increased accessibility by partnering with free digital platforms.

How to Watch Major League Rugby (MLR) in the USA

As the premier professional rugby competition in North America, MLR has expanded its reach significantly since its 2018 launch. Here’s how to catch every match:

Primary Platform: The Rugby Network

All regular-season MLR games are streamed live and free on The Rugby Network.
Post-match analysis, player interviews, and highlight reels are also available.
No registration or payment is required for standard coverage.

National Broadcasts on Fox Sports

Fox Sports airs select weekend matches during the season (March to July).
These broadcasts increase visibility and attract new fans through over-the-air channels.
Check local listings or the MLR website for scheduled televised games.

International Tournaments and Viewing Options

For fans interested in global rugby events, here are the main tournaments and how to access them legally in the U.S.:

Rugby World Cup (Men's & Women's): Broadcast by NBC and streamed on Peacock. Full tournament coverage includes group stages, knockouts, and commentary tailored for U.S. audiences.
The Rugby Championship: Features Southern Hemisphere powerhouses—New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina. Available on Fox Sports and ESPN+ depending on the year.
Autumn Internationals / Summer Tours: National teams tour the Northern Hemisphere in November; matches involving U.S. Eagles are often on The Rugby Network or ESPN+.

Frequently Asked Questions About Watching Rugby in the USA

Where can I watch rugby for free in the USA?

You can watch rugby for free on The Rugby Network, which streams all Major League Rugby regular-season games at no cost. Additionally, NBC occasionally broadcasts Six Nations and Rugby World Cup matches over-the-air, accessible with an HD antenna or via the Peacock free tier.

Is Premiership Rugby available on U.S. television?

Yes, ESPN+ holds exclusive U.S. rights to Premiership Rugby and streams every match live. You’ll need an active subscription to access games, but the service offers high-quality production and on-demand replays.

Can I watch the Six Nations in the United States?

Yes, NBC Sports has exclusive U.S. rights to the Six Nations Championship. Selected matches air on NBC, while all games are streamed live and on-demand on Peacock, including pre-game shows and expert analysis.

What channel is Major League Rugby on?

Major League Rugby games are primarily streamed on The Rugby Network. Some marquee matches are also broadcast on Fox Sports (FS1 or FS2), typically on weekends during the March–July season.

Do I need a cable subscription to watch rugby in the USA?

No, a cable subscription is not required. Most rugby content is available through streaming platforms like Peacock, ESPN+, and The Rugby Network. If you want to watch Fox Sports broadcasts, you may need a live TV streaming service (e.g., YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV) for authentication.