Italy vs Ireland live stream
You can watch Italy vs Ireland for free on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK today, and on RTÉ 2 and RTÉ 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 Italy vs Ireland live stream from anywhere in the world.
Kick-off: Saturday, February 25, 2.15pm GMT / 9.15am ET / 6.15am PT |
TV channel: ITV1 (UK) | RTÉ 2 (IRE) | CNBC / Peacock (US) | Stan Sport (AUS) |
Free live stream: ITVX (UK) | RTÉ Player (IRE) |
Use ExpressVPN to watch any stream |
Italy vs Ireland match preview
Ireland top the standings as we approach the midway stage of the Six Nations, having already passed what should be their toughest assignment with flying colours. Injury to Johnny Sexton aside, everything's looking rosy for the world No.1-ranked team, but wouldn't it just be typical if they came unstuck against Italy today? A year ago, Ireland cruised to a 57-6 victory when Italy were reduced to 13 men within the opening minutes. Something tells us this one will be a lot tighter.
For the first time in years, the Azzurri entered the tournament with genuine belief, but after two defeats from two, they're running out of chances to make good on all of that hope. After coming agonisingly close to stunning reigning champions France in the opener, they crumbled against an ordinary England team, and everything has suddenly fallen a little flat.
Enter: Paolo Garbisi. Kieran Crowley has thrown his star fly-half straight into the team today after his return from a knee injury, and, even if he isn't completely up to speed, what he will bring to the team is big-game knowhow. The only shame is that it comes at the expense of Tommaso Allan, who's been one of their best players so far.
Andy Farrell has given James Ryan the armband and Ross Byrne the No.10 jersey, as Ireland look to continue their march to the Grand Slam that many believe is now theirs to lose. Bundee Aki has been handed his first start of the Championship at inside centre, while Dan Sheehan is back in the squad as an option off the bench.
Stuart McCloskey, initially named on the bench after starting Ireland's first two games, has been parachuted in as a late replacement for Garry Ringrose, who was supposed to start but has picked up a calf issue.
It's a lovely warm day in Rome, and you can follow our guide as we explain all the ways to get an Italy vs Ireland live stream wherever you are – starting with how to watch the Six Nations for FREE in the UK and Ireland.
How to watch Italy vs Ireland: live stream Six Nations for FREE in the UK
How to watch Italy vs Ireland 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 Italy vs Ireland 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 Italy vs Ireland from anywhere
How to use a VPN for Italy vs Ireland
Using a VPN is as easy as one-two-three...
1. Download and install a VPN - as we say, our top choice is ExpressVPN.
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.