Things tend to get pretty wild when these two sides meet, the Brave Blossoms memorably shocking Ireland in the 2019 World Cup, before Andy Farrell's men edged a thriller in July. Read on as our guide explains how to get an Ireland vs Japan live stream and watch the rugby autumn international online today.
Date: Saturday, November 6
Kick-off time: 1pm GMT / 10pm JST / 12am AEDT / 2am NZDT / 9am ET
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Free live streams: RTE (opens in new tab) (Ireland) | Channel 4 (opens in new tab) (UK)
Global live streams: Sky Sport (opens in new tab) (NZ) | Stan Sport FREE trial (opens in new tab) (AU) | SuperSport (opens in new tab) (SA) | FloRugby (opens in new tab) (US) | DAZN FREE trial (CA)
Watch anywhere: try the No.1 rated VPN - 100% risk-free trial (opens in new tab)
It's a big day for Johnny Sexton. Ireland's skipper is set to win his 100th cap at the Aviva, but there's little time for sentiment in top level sport and the 36-year-old's hold on his jersey isn't the strongest it's ever been.
Joey Carbery and Harry Byrne are both breathing down the veteran's neck, as is Jack Carty who's been controversially left out of the squad.
For Japan, every game is now an opportunity to further stake their claim for a place in the Rugby Championship, and under Jamie Joseph they've become a team that could conceivably beat anyone on their day.
Australia beat them 32-23 a couple of weeks ago, but it was tighter than that score line suggests, and Siosaia Fifita, Michael Leitch, Timothy Lafaele and Naoto Saito all caused damage against the Irish in their last meeting.
Follow our guide as we explain all the ways to get a rugby live stream and how to watch Ireland vs Japan for FREE.
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How to watch a free rugby live stream in Ireland
How to live stream Ireland vs Japan from outside your country
If you're abroad right now and try to stream the rugby via your native broadcaster, you'll soon discover that you can't, as it's location restricted. But there is a way to tune in regardless.
By downloading and installing a VPN, you can effectively trick your computer into thinking that it's back at home. That way you can enjoy your home coverage without having to find an illegal stream - assuming you comply with the broadcaster's fine print, of course - specifically its terms and conditions.
Use a VPN to watch rugby from anywhere
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
3. Go to the broadcaster's live stream - so if you're from Ireland or the UK, just head to RTE Player (opens in new tab) or Channel 4's All4 service (opens in new tab)
How to watch Ireland vs Japan FREE in the UK
How to watch rugby in the US: live stream Ireland vs Japan
How to live stream Ireland vs Japan in New Zealand
How to watch Ireland vs Japan: live stream rugby in Australia
How to watch Ireland vs Japan: live stream rugby in South Africa
Ireland vs Japan live stream: watch rugby FREE in Canada
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