sports

How to Watch European Rugby Champions Cup in Ireland (Live+Free | 2024-25)

The 10th season of the European Rugby Champions Cup, an elite club rugby union competition, began on 8 December 2023. It features top teams from the five leading European Rugby Nations and, for the second time, South Africa.

The tournament’s grand finale is scheduled for May 25, 2024, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Last season saw Stade Rochelais clinching their second consecutive victory over Leinster. It remains to be seen whether they can secure a hat-trick.

You can watch the European Rugby Champions Cup in Ireland on the RTE Player and ITV1 channel via ITVX for free. Additionally, TNT Sports, a premium TV channel, also broadcasts live matches.

These platforms offer live streaming, highlights, and full replays. However, ITVX faces geo-restrictions in Ireland.

For unrestricted access to live free matches on ITVX, using a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN is advisable. It can easily bypass geo-restrictions, enabling smooth streaming.

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When and Where is the European Rugby Champions Cup Happening?

The European Rugby Champions Cup is starting this December 2023. Here’s all you need to know about one of the biggest rugby champion cups:

Total no. of Teams: 24 teams

Location: Multiple locations across Europe and South Africa

Date: 8th December 2023 to 25th May 2024

Where to Watch: UTV via ITVX (Ireland and UK), RTE Player (Ireland and UK), and TNT Sports (Ireland, UK, and USA).


How to Watch European Rugby Champions Cup in Ireland for Free

You can watch the European Rugby Champions Cup 2023-24 in Ireland for free on ITV1 via ITVX.

Follow these steps to watch European Rugby Champions Cup in Ireland:

Step 1: Subscribe to a safe VPN service (ExpressVPN).

Step 2: Download and install the ExpressVPN app on your device.

Step 3: Open the app and connect to the British Server (i.e., London)

Step 4: Go to the ITVX website.

Step 5: Sign in if you already have an account. Otherwise, click on “Register”

Step 6: Enter your email and password, then click “Continue” 

Step 7: Enter your first name and surname, then click “next”

Step 8: Enter your Date of Birth, then click “next”

Step 9: Enter the UK’s postcode (e.g., E16 2JE), then click “next”.

Step 10: Verify your account via email

Step 11: You will be redirected to the home screen. Click on Live

Step 12: Select ITV1 and enjoy watching European Rugby Champions Cup when it is live

Try ExpressVPN 


3 Ways to Watch European Rugby Champions Cup in Ireland:

Besides the RTE, some more services broadcast the European Rugby Champions Cup. Due to international licensing laws, some services are geo-blocked in Ireland, so you must use a premium VPN.

Below are our recommended official ways to watch European Rugby Champions Cup in Ireland:

1. ITV1

ITV1 is a free channel available and owned by ITV and available to live stream on ITVX. It has the official rights to air the live matches of the European Rugby Champions Cup 2023-24.

You can watch European Rugby Champions Cup in Ireland on ITVX using a VPN, like ExpressVPN, and connect to the UK server. VPN is necessary while streaming on ITVX due to geo-restrictions.

Read more: Watch ITVX in Ireland


2. RTE Player

RTE Player is another official European Rugby Champions Cup 2023-24 broadcaster. You can watch the European Rugby Champions Cup live on RTE 2 channel on the service for free.

It offers live and recorded RTÉ TV shows, RTE originals, and content from foreign broadcasters. The platform has two versions: RTE Player for Ireland and RTE Player International.

But if you are travelling and want to watch the European Rugby Champions Cup on RTE Player, you must connect to a VPN, like ExpressVPN. It is because RTE International doesn’t air the tournament.


3. TNT Sports

TNT Sports is a subscription-based live sports channel available in Ireland and the UK. You can watch the European Rugby Champions Cup, as it is an official broadcaster of the tournament.

European Rugby Champions Cup 2023-24 will show under the name Investec Champions Cup on TNT Sports.

The channel is available on NOW TV, Sky TV, Virgin Media, BT TV, and Disney+. You can subscribe to TNT Sports as an add-on on Virgin Media for €39 a month. On Sky, the add-on will cost you€10/month.


How to Watch European Rugby Champions Cup in Ireland on Android Phones/TVs

You can live stream the European Rugby Champions Cup on the RTE Player’s app. The app is available on Google Play Store. This platform doesn’t require any registration.

Follow these steps to watch European Rugby Champions Cup 2023 in Ireland on Android Phones/TVs:

Step 1: Go to the Google Play store and install RTE Player App

Step 2: Open the app and click on Live

Step 3: Select the channel, i.e., RTE 2

Step 4: Enjoy watching European Rugby Champions Cup when it is live


Schedule of European Rugby Champions Cup 2025

Here is the updated schedule for Round 4 of the Investec Champions Cup in Irish Time:

Date Match Time (Irish Time)
Friday, 17 January Ulster vs Exeter Chiefs 8:00 PM
Saturday, 18 January Bulls vs Stade Français 1:00 PM
Saturday, 18 January Northampton Saints vs Munster 3:15 PM
Saturday, 18 January Clermont Auvergne vs Bristol 3:15 PM
Saturday, 18 January Benetton vs La Rochelle 5:30 PM
Saturday, 18 January Leinster vs Bath 5:30 PM
Saturday, 18 January Harlequins vs Glasgow Warriors 8:00 PM
Saturday, 18 January Racing 92 vs Stormers 8:00 PM
Sunday, 19 January Bordeaux-Bègles vs Sharks 1:00 PM
Sunday, 19 January Saracens vs Castres 3:15 PM
Sunday, 19 January Toulouse vs Leicester Tigers 3:15 PM
Sunday, 19 January Sale Sharks vs Toulon 5:30 PM

Other Sports to Watch in Ireland

If you enjoy watching sports, we recommend some sports, including rugby:


FAQs – European Rugby Champions Cup

When and where is the Rugby Champions Cup final in 2024?

The finale will be on 25th May 2024, Friday, and will be played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London.

Which European Rugby Champions Cup matches are live on TNT Sports?

TNT Sports will bring you every match from the European Rugby Champions Cup Season 2023-24.

Where can I watch the European Rugby Champions Cup for free?

All 12 games from each round will be available for free to watch live on ITV1 and RTE Player.


Conclusion

The 10th season of the European Rugby Champions Cup, an annual club rugby union competition kicked off on 8 December 2023. The tournament features the top five European Rugby Nations and South Africa.

You can watch European Rugby Champions Cup in Ireland on free live channels and streaming services, like RTE Player and ITV1 channel via ITVX

However, ITVX is unavailable in Ireland due to geo-restrictions. Therefore, you must use a trusted VPN, like ExpressVPN.

Paul Adair

Passionate writer and avid streamer, I try and test streaming services and cord cutting options. By combining my love for writing with the thrill of discovering new media platforms, I like to guide and enlighten Irish audiences on the best ways to enjoy content without the cords.

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