The number one ranked team are looking for a second victory of this Rugby World Cup tonight – this time against a resurgent Tonga in Pool B
The world’s number one ranked team got off to a flying start in the first round of Rugby World Cup fixtures – so now make sure you’ve got the details you need to watch an Ireland v Tonga live stream tonight. We’ve got you covered in this article, which includes details of how to watch for FREE on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK, and RTÉ Player in Ireland.
Ireland head to Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes for their clash with Tonga this evening, with the kick-off taking place at 8:00pm (BST). Below we have all the information you need to live stream the game. If you’re watching the match from outside your country, you can use a VPN to watch Ireland v Tonga FOR FREE from abroad via ExpressVPN.
Ireland were brutally brilliant in Bordeaux, smashing Romania 82-8, but will face a much sterner test against Tonga, who sat out the first weekend of the Rugby World Cup.
Ireland coach Andy Farrell has named a strong side for the match, making four changes to the starting line-up that comfortably defeated Romania last weekend. Johnny Sexton captains the side.
Tonga will be looking to make it past the pool stages for the first time. Thanks to World Rugby’s recent rule change allowing players to switch their international allegiance, their team is bolstered by four former All Blacks: Salesi Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa, Augustine Pulu and Vaea Fifita.
It’s set to be a dry, mild evening in Nantes for the match, which will be refereed by England’s experienced Wayne Barnes.
So make sure you’ve got your Ireland v Tonga live stream plans locked in. We have details of all the Rugby World Cup fixtures and how to watch them, and you can scroll down to find the line-ups and the kick-off time where you are.
Malakai Fekitoa of Tonga
Watch Ireland v Tonga: live stream for FREE in the UK
ITV have the exclusive rights to show the Rugby World Cup to UK audiences – including Ireland v Tonga. Kick-off is at 8:00pm tonight, with coverage starting on ITV1 at 7:15pm.
All matches can also be streamed FREE on ITVX. They have an amazing app that works on almost all your smart devices. Just search for the app on any device, phone or console you have.
If you’re outside of the UK, but want your usual coverage, it’s best to check out ExpressVPN (which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee) and follow the instructions below. As well as a VPN, you’ll need a valid TV licence to watch ITVX when abroad.
Watch Ireland v Tonga: live stream from outside your country
If you want to watch the Rugby World Cup action from your country’s broadcaster, but are abroad, you can do so by using a VPN – Virtual Private Network.
Our fine colleagues at TechRadar have tested hundreds of VPNs and recommend ExpressVPN, which is easy to use, has strong security features and lets you to watch on several devices at once, including smart TVs and phones, iPads, tablets, PCs and Macs.
Plus, ExpressVPN comes with the added benefit of a 30-day money back guarantee and three months free with a yearly plan.
We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
- Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
- Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Watch Ireland v Tonga: live stream for FREE from Ireland
In Ireland, the 48 matches of the Rugby World Cup are available to watch FOR FREE, with coverage shared between RTÉ and Virgin Media Television.
RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player are showing this game, which kicks off at 8:00pm in Ireland. Coverage gets underway at 7:00pm.
If you’re going to be away from home, you can use ExpressVPN to watch Ireland v Tonga FOR FREE from abroad.
Watch Ireland v Tonga: live stream from South Africa
There’ll be plenty of interest in Ireland v Tonga in South Africa with both sides lying in wait for the Springboks in Pool B. If you want to watch the Rugby World Cup from South Africa, SuperSport is the place to go. Kick-off is at 9:00pm on Saturday 16 September, with build-up starting at 8:00pm.
There are various SuperSport packages available, whether you want to watch via DStv or stream.
Watch Ireland v Tonga: live stream from the USA
In the USA, Ireland v Tonga (kick-off 3:00pm (ET), 12:00pm (PT)) will be streamed on Peacock Premium, which is available for $5.99 a month. You can find subscription information here:
Watch Ireland v Tonga: live stream from New Zealand
As is the case for all of 48 matches of the tournament, Sky Sport NZ will be screening Ireland’s match against Tonga. A Rugby World Cup 2023 Pass is available for $89.99, giving you access to all 48 matches live and on demand.
Kick-off for Ireland v Tonga is at 7:00am New Zealand time on Sunday 17 September.
Watch Ireland v Tonga: live stream from Australia
Aussie rugby fans will be tuning in to Stan Sport, as the streaming platform will show all 48 Rugby World Cup matches, ad-free, live and on demand.
Kick-off in Australia for Ireland v Tonga is at 5:00am on Sunday 17 September, with coverage starting at 4:45am.
It costs $15 a month to add Stan Sport to your general Stan plan. There is also a 30-day free trial available so you can give Stan a run out first – though this does not apply to Stan Sport.
Watch Ireland v Tonga: live stream for FREE from Europe
World Rugby’s RugbyPass TV streaming service is providing English language Rugby World Cup live streams FOR FREE in Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Malta, Slovakia and Ukraine.
TF1 have the broadcast rights in France – however, they have also agreed a sub-licensing deal for 28 of the 48 matches with commercial broadcaster M6 and public-service broadcaster France Télévisions as well. Kick off is at 9:00pm French time.
In Italy, Rai and Sky Italia are sharing the rights to show the World Cup. Ireland v Tonga kicks off at 9:00pm in Italy.
Watch Ireland v Tonga: live stream for FREE from Asia
World Rugby’s RugbyPass TV streaming service is providing English language Rugby World Cup live streams FOR FREE in China, Mongolia, Myanmar, South Korea, Turkmenistan and Vietnam.
beIN Sports is the place to go to watch a Ireland v Tonga live stream in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Philippines, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. All 48 matches of the tournament will be available on the beIN Sports Connect app, and on dedicated pop-up channel beIN Sports Rugby.
In some countries (including Hong Kong, Singapore and Philippines), Rugby World Cup matches are not included as part of your usual BeIN Sports subscription. To watch the tournament, you’ll need to pay for an additional RWC Pass, which will give you access to all the matches. (Prices vary by country.)
Ireland v Tonga: kick-off times
UK: 8:00pm
South Africa: 9:00pm
Ireland: 8:00pm
USA: 3:00pm (ET), 12:00pm (PT)
Australia: 5:00am (AEST), Sunday 17 September
New Zealand: 7:00am (NZST), Sunday 17 September
France: 9:00pm
Ireland v Tonga: team line-ups
Ireland: Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Johnny Sexton (captain), Conor Murray; Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris
Replacements: Rob Herring, David Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Ryan Baird, Craig Casey, Ross Byrne, Robbie Henshaw
Tonga: Salesi Piutau, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Malakai Fekitoa, Pita Ahki, Solomone Kata, William Havili, Augustine Pulu; Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Paula Ngauamo, Ben Tameifuna (captain), Sam Lousi, Halaleva Fifita, Tanginoa Halaifonua, Sione Talitui, Vaea Fifita
Replacements: Sam Moli, Tau Koloamatangi, Sosefo Apikotoa, Semisi Paea, Solomone Funaki, Sione Vailanu, Sonatane Takulua, Fine Inisi
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