Watch an Ireland vs England live stream
You can watch Ireland vs England for free on ITV and ITVX in the UK, and on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Player in Ireland. Fans can pay to watch the rugby on Peacock in the US, and on Stan Sport in Australia. Full information on the TV viewing options below. We'll also explain how to watch a FREE Ireland vs England live stream from anywhere in the world.
Kick-off: Saturday, March 18, 5pm GMT / 1pm ET / 10am PT |
TV channel: ITV1 (UK) | Virgin Media One (IRE) | CNBC / Peacock (US) | Stan (AUS) |
Free live stream: ITVX (UK) | Virgin Media Player (IRE) |
Use ExpressVPN to watch any stream |
Ireland vs England match preview
For the first time since 1985, Ireland have the chance to wrap up the championship title on home soil. And in many ways, this has the potential to be that much more momentous. A victory would not secure the Six Nations crown but also Ireland's fourth ever Grand Slam – and on Saint Patrick's Day in Dublin, something that has never happened before.
Depending on how France get on against Wales in the earlier fixture, the atmosphere at Aviva Stadium could either be fraught with tension or a full-blown carnival.
While Ireland have lived up to their status as the No.1 team in the world, England have lurched from mediocre to shambolic, their 53-10 capitulation last weekend entering the record books as their heaviest home defeat of all time.
Steve Borthwick has made a sacrificial lamb out of Marcus Smith, who was rather handed a poisoned chalice against France, bringing Owen Farrell back into the fold against his father's team. Manu Tuilagi starts for the first time this championship in place of the injured Ollie Lawrence, Henry Arundell gets his first England start at the expense of Max Malins, and David Ribbans comes in for Ollie Chessum.
On what's likely to be his final ever Six Nations appearance, Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton will almost certainly overtake fellow Irish great Ronan O’Gara as the all-time top points scorer in the history of the competition. He drew level with his predecessor during the hard-fought 7–22 victory over Scotland a week ago, and the send-off he'll receive from the Aviva crowd will be one for the ages.
Andy Farrell has handed the No.9 shirt to Jamison Gibson-Park, who shone off the bench last weekend on his return from injury. Conor Murray is the man to make way. The two further changes to the team see Robbie Henshaw come in for Garry Ringrose at centre, and Ryan Baird replace Iain Henderson at lock.
You really, really, don't want to miss this. Follow our guide as we explain all the ways to get an Ireland vs England live stream and watch the Six Nations 2023 from wherever you are.
How to watch Ireland vs England: live stream Six Nations for FREE in the UK
How to watch Ireland vs England from outside your country
If you're abroad right now and struggling to tap into your usual coverage of the Six Nations, you'll want a VPN. This'll help you circumvent the geo-blocking that will try to stop you watching an Ireland vs England live stream in particular parts of the world.
They're a useful means of getting around this issue, are cheap, and easy to set-up as well. Here's how it's done.
Use a VPN to watch Ireland vs England from anywhere
How to use a VPN for Ireland vs England
Using a VPN to is as easy as one-two-three...
1. Download and install a VPN - as we say, our top choice is ExpressVPN (opens in new tab).
2. Connect to the appropriate server location - open the VPN app, hit 'choose location' and select the appropriate location, eg: 'UK' for ITVX.
3. Go to the broadcaster's stream - head to your home broadcaster's site or app and watch as if you were at home - ITVX (opens in new tab) for UK citizens abroad.