How to Watch National Rugby League in Ireland For Free [2025]

The National Rugby League (NRL) 2025 has kicked off, bringing Australia’s premier rugby league action directly to fans worldwide.

This year’s NRL season kicked off with an exciting double-header in Las Vegas on March 1, 2025. We’re now into Week 15 of 27, with the league running through to October 5, spanning 27 weeks of nonstop rugby.

Fans have multiple options to watch NRL in Ireland, they can catch free streams via 9Now and comprehensive coverage via Watch NRL, to premium broadcasts on Sky Sports.

A couple of free methods are also given in the log. However, if you’re planning free streaming of NRL via 9Now or free method, a VPN is a must to bypass geo-blocks and keep your connection private.

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How to Watch National Rugby League in Ireland For Free

9Now, Australia’s free-to-air broadcaster is streaming 3 weekly NRL matches plus the entire finals series live and completely free.

To watch these NRL games for free from Ireland on 9Now, it’s necessary to use a VPN to bypass the service’s geo-restrictions outside Australia.

Follow the steps to watch the National Rugby League in Ireland for free via 9Now:

Step 1: Subscribe to a safe VPN service (ExpressVPN is our #1 choice)

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

Step 3: Open the VPN app and connect to a server in Australia.

Step 4: Visit 9Now and Click on Log in.

Step 5: Enter your email.

Step 6: Set up your account.

Step 7: Enter your information (e.g., email and postcode 2010).

Step 8: Click on Create Account

Step 9: Verify your account.

Step 10: Search for “NRL” and click on “NRL Premiership”

Step 11: Click on Watch now. 

Step 12: Enjoy streaming once the game goes live!

Try ExpressVPN

Other Ways to Watch National Rugby League in Ireland

Here are the best services to watch the National Rugby League in Ireland.

1. 9Now (Free)

9Now is an Australian free-to-air service that provides free & live streaming of select NRL matches.

It features 3 free games per week, including Thursday night, the second Friday match, and Sunday afternoon fixtures, along with complete coverage of the Finale series games in 2025.

For fans in Ireland looking to follow NRL action on 9Now, the platform’s geo-restrictions require the use of a VPN to access the live streams. We recommend ExpressVPN.

Read More: How to Watch 9Now in Ireland

2. Sky Sports (Premium)

Sky Sports is a major sports broadcaster in the UK and Ireland. It holds the official broadcasting rights for the NRL 2025 season in the region.

The network airs 3 NRL matches per week, along with full coverage of the finals series and the Grand Final.

You can subscribe to Sky Sports for €20/month through a Sky TV bundle, or you can also access all 12 Sky Sports channels in HD on NOW with a Sports Month or Sports Saver Bundle starting from €20/month.

Read More: How to Watch Sky Go in Ireland

3. Watch NRL (Premium)

Watch NRL is the official international streaming service for rugby league fans outside Australia, delivering every NRL match live and on-demand straight to Ireland with no blackouts.

Watch NRL offers flexible plans: AUD $24/week, AUD $44/month, or AUD $229/year for full access with the option to stream on 2 devices simultaneously without any VPN needed.

How to Watch Every NRL 2025 Game for Free in Ireland

No subscription? No problem. Irish fans can stream up to three NRL games weekly for free on 9Now with a VPN, or get full access through Foxtel’s 10-day free trial for new users.

Another way to catch up on the Foxtel games for free is through free apps like Rapid Streamz or SportsFire, or via free sports websites like dlhd.sx OR vipleague.lc/.

Here is a schedule of which games each week are available on each network

How to Watch NRL in Ireland on a Mobile Phone

You can watch the NRL in Ireland on Sky Sports Arena. The channel is available with Now TV mobile app for Android and iOS devices.

Additionally, you can also install free sports streaming apps like Rapid Streamz or SportsFire and enjoy every NRL game for free on your mobile phone.

However, a VPN like ExpressVPN is necessary to hide your identity with these free apps.

Follow the steps below to watch the NRL in Ireland:

Step 1: Download the Now TV app from the Play Store, App Store, or APK

Step 2: Open the app and click on the sidebar

Step 3: Choose Sports Membership

Step 4: Select your plan, and click Claim Offer

Step 5: Click Checkout

Step 6: Create your account by clicking Continue to checkout or sign in with your existing one

Step 7: Enter your credentials

Step 8: Choose your payment plan and enter your credentials to subscribe. Enjoy streaming

When and Where is the National Rugby League 2025 Happening?

Date: March 1, 2025 – October 5, 2025.

Venue: Opening games (US), regular season all across Australia, and Grand Final at the SCG, Homebush, Sydney 

Broadcasters: Watch NRL(International), Sky Sports (UK & Ireland), 9Now (Australia).

National Rugby League 2025 Schedule

Here is a complete schedule of Week 16 of 27 of the NRL with the Irish Timezone (GMT) and date.

Can the 4-time winners & Defending Champions ‘Panthers’ Regain Control in 2025?

Over the past decade, several teams have left a lasting mark on the NRL. From the Roosters’ consecutive titles to Penrith’s commanding four-year reign, the league has seen its share of dominant champions.

But in 2025, the Panthers’ start has been far from convincing, with five defeats in their first seven games and clear defensive issues following Ciraldo’s departure.

The responsibility now rests on Nathan Cleary to stabilize the team’s performance and maintain their position among the league’s elite. But the real question is, will they regain control and grab their fifth title in 2025?

Here is a list of the past decade’s champions:

• 2015 – North Queensland Cowboys

• 2016 – Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

• 2017 – Melbourne Storm

• 2018 – Sydney Roosters

• 2019 – Sydney Roosters

• 2020 – Melbourne Storm

• 2021 – Penrith Panthers

• 2022 – Penrith Panthers

• 2023 – Penrith Panthers

• 2024 – Penrith Panthers

Other Sports to Watch in Ireland

If you are a sports enthusiast, you can also watch the following sports in Ireland:

• Watch UFC in Ireland
• Watch NHL in Ireland
• Watch French Ligue 1 in Ireland
• Watch CFL in Ireland
• Watch Major Soccer League in Ireland
• Watch WNBA in Ireland
• Watch Liga MX in Ireland

FAQs – NRL

1. Does Ireland have a national rugby team?

Yes. The men’s national rugby league team of Ireland, known as the Wolfhounds, is run by Rugby League Ireland and competes internationally.

2. Where can I watch the NRL Grand Final live?

The NRL Grand Final is broadcast live on 9Now (Free) in Australia, with international streaming via Sky Sports (UK/IRE), SportsNet (Canada), and Fox Sports (US).

3. Can I watch the NRL 2025 for free in Ireland?

You can watch select NRL matches for free in Ireland on 9Now with ads, or Foxtel with a 10-day free trial for new users with ExpressVPN.

4. What devices can I stream NRL on?

Watch NRL works on PCs, tablets, phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, and smart TVs (up to two simultaneous streams). NOW (Sky Sports) is available through mobile apps, consoles, and smart TVs via Sky Go.

Conclusion

Irish fans can watch the National Rugby League through both free and premium options, including 9Now (Free with VPN), Watch NRL, and Sky Sports.