The Irish Rugby team is looking to win this World Cup, but they have the mighty South Africans and the Black Shirts in their way. England and France are also looking to seal the moment and become champions this year.
In this blog, we will talk about everything you need to know about the tournament and where and how to watch the 2023 Rugby World Cup in the Netherlands for free.
How to watch Rugby World Cup 2023 in theĀ Netherlands for free?
The 2023 Rugby World Cup is streaming on ITV in the UK. ITV is a free-to-air channel, only available in the United Kingdom, but can be accessed from theĀ Netherlands with a reliable VPN.
We recommend getting an ExpressVPN account for free to watch the Rugby World Cup 2023 on ITV in the Netherlands online.
- Sign up to ExpressVPN to unblock ITV.Ā (Youāll get three extra months free with a 12-month plan, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee)
- Download ExpressVPN on your devices of choice (iOS, Android,
Windows, Mac, and more) - Open the app and connect to a British server
- Now open itv.comĀ in your browser or in-app
- Search for Rugby World Cup 2023 on ITV from theĀ Netherlands
- Enjoy

Watching Rugby World Cup 2023 in theĀ Netherlands for Free| Detailed Explanation
Here are the detailed steps you need to follow to watch the Rugby World Cup 2023 from the NetherlandsĀ for free on ITV:
1- Get ExpressVPN to access ITV
You can get three extra months free of ExpressVPN with their annual plan. Thatās 15 months for the price of 12. A single subscription simultaneously supports five devices and hasĀ a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2- Download the ExpressVPN app on your device
ExpressVPN supports almost all devices, including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and more. Using their smart DNS, you can also use ExpressVPN on your smart TV or gaming console.
3- Connect to a British Server
After downloading the ExpressVPN app, open up the ExpresVPN app and connect to a British server to get a British IP address.Ā
Since ITV is only accessible from the United Kingdom, you will need a British IP address to access it and watch Rugby World Cup 2023 from theĀ Netherlands for free.
4- Enjoy
After connecting to a British server, open itv.com in your browser or in-app, search for Rugby World Cup 2023 on ITVĀ from theĀ Netherlands,Ā and enjoy.

Where to watch Rugby World Cup 2023 in theĀ Netherlands?
The broadcasting rights of Rugby World Cup 2023Ā are distributed among several channels and streaming services. ITV is among them, and it’s a free-to-air channel in the UK.
We recommend watching the 2023 Rugby World CupĀ online for free in IrelandĀ on ITV with an ExpressVPN account.
Ziggo Sports has the official broadcasting rights of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in the Netherlands. If you are a Ziggo subscriber, you can watch the Rugby World Cup for free on Channel 14. You can also get the Ziggo Sports Total package for ā¬14.95/m and add it to your TV provider.
If you like watching sports, we recommend getting the Ziggo Sports Total subscription. You can watch football, motoGP, tennis, golf, etc with it.
Where to watch Rugby World Cup 2023 for free in the Netherlands
Unfortunately, no Dutch streaming service will broadcast the Rugby World Cup 2023 for free in the Netherlands. However, if you are looking for a free fix to stream the Rugby World Cup 2023 in the Netherlands, we recommend getting an ExpressVPN account to change your IP address to a British IP and watch the Rugby World Cup 2023 on ITV.
Our team of experts has tested ExpressVPN to stream sports events like US Open 2023 in UK, Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, and Wimbledon from Canada, and it worked perfectly.
Which channels will have Rugby World Cup 2023 in the Netherlands?
Ziggo Sports is the official broadcasting partner of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in the Netherlands. You can watch the Rugby World Cup with a Ziggo subscription or Ziggo Sports Total package.
A Ziggo internet and TV connection will cost you around ā¬77/m, but since there is a 50% summer sale going on, you can get the 9-month package for ā¬38.5/m with free installation help. The total cost for a Ziggo internet and TV connection with a 50% summer deal will be ā¬346.5 for nine months and then ā¬77 per month.
If you don’t want to switch your broadband provider, a Ziggo Sport Total subscription will cost you ā¬14.95 or less, depending on your broadband provider.
Both of these options are costly if you compare them with watching the 2023 Rugby World Cup for free on ITV with an ExpressVPN subscription from the Netherlands. We tested it to stream Rugby World Cup 2023 in South Africa, and it worked perfectly.
How to watch the Rugby World Cup in the Dutch language?
Watching a sports event in the native language doubles the fun. There is no news about the Dutch commentary of the Rugby World Cup, but we are anticipating seeing it on Ziggo Sports in the Dutch language.
Where to watch Rugby World Cup 2023 on mobile in the Netherlands?
You can watch the Rugby World Cup 2023 with the Ziggo Sports mobile applications. Alternatively, the Ziggo Sports Total application is accessible for streaming. You can stream the Rugby World Cup in France with French commentary on TF1.
However, the best and most free way to stream the 2023 Rugby World Cup is on ITV with an ExpressVPN account.
Who plays who in the quarter-finals of the rugby tournament?
October 14: Quarter-final 1: Winner of Group C vs Runner-up of Group D (Stade de Marseille), 4pm – now looks like Wales vs Samoa
October 14: Quarter-final 2: Winner of Group B vs Runner-up of Group A (Stade de France), 8pm – now looks like Ireland vs Italy
October 15: Quarter-final 3: Winner of Group D vs Runner-up of Group C (Stade de Marseille), 4pm – now looks like England vs Fiji
October 15: Quarter-final 4: Winner of Group A vs Runner-up of Group B (Stade de France), 8pm – now looks like France vs South Africa
Rugby World Cup 2023 start date?
The 2023 Rugby World Cup will start on Friday, 8th September 2023, and will continue for more than a month, ending on Saturday, 28th October 2023.
Where is the Rugby World Cup 2023 happening?
The countdown is on for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France! This mega tournament is going to be chock full of thrills and excitement when it kicks off on September 8th.
Matches will take over stadiums across France all the way till the final on October 28th at the massive Stade de France in Paris.
Already 20 of the best rugby nations have qualified, including heavy hitters New Zealand, England, South Africa and Australia. They’ll be organized into 4 groups of 5 teams, with the top 2 in each group moving on to the quarterfinals.
There’ll be a total of 48 hard-hitting games played out. France is in Group A with powerhouses New Zealand and Italy, while defending champs South Africa are in Group B.
France has been working overtime to get everything ready for a spectacular World Cup on home soil. With less than a year to go, rugby enthusiasts around the world are already hyped for what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable tournament!
What is the prize money for the Rugby World Cup 2023?
There is no official word on the prize money of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. However, it’s expected to be more than $20 million, which was awarded to the winning team in 2019.
Why is Rugby World Cup so popular in the Netherlands?
The first official Rugby World Cup was held in 1987, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand. This monumental event helped propel the sport into the global spotlight. The inaugural tournament was won by the All Blacks of New Zealand, setting the stage for a series of intensely competitive World Cups to follow.
The Modern Tournament Structure
Presently comprising 20 national teams, the World Cup divisions teams into four pools of five. After completing the round-robin pool stage, the top two teams in each group progress to the knockout phase – quarterfinals, semifinals and ultimately the final. The entire tournament unfolds over about six thrilling weeks.
Memorable Moments in Rugby World Cup History
- 2003: England’s Jonny Wilkinson sealed victory against Australia with a drop goal in extra time, earning England their first World Cup trophy.
- Multiple Titles: The formidable All Blacks from New Zealand have won the Cup three times – 1987, 2011 and 2015. Their iconic pre-match Haka is etched in rugby lore.
- 2015 Upset: Japan stunned two-time champions South Africa in one of the biggest upsets in rugby history, a pivotal moment for the growth of rugby in Asia.
More Than Just a Sporting Event
The Rugby World Cup has become a cultural phenomenon that brings together fans from all corners of the world, bound by their passion for the sport. From local communities hosting matches to supporters traveling great distances, the tournament fosters global unity and sportsmanship.
Legendary Players
- Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) – Burst onto the scene at the 1995 World Cup as a global superstar.
- Martin Johnson (England) – Captain of England’s 2003 World Cup winning team.
- Richie McCaw (New Zealand) – Led the All Blacks to World Cup titles in 2011 and 2015.
In summary, the Rugby World Cup has evolved into a highly anticipated quadrennial tournament featuring the top teams and players, thrilling fans from all over the rugby-loving world.
The Dutch team in Rugby World Cups
Here are some of the key achievements and history of the Dutch national rugby team at the Rugby World Cup:
- The Netherlands has competed at 4 Rugby World Cups – in 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2019. Their best finish was 12th place in 2003.
- The Dutch team first qualified for the World Cup in 1995. Though they lost all 3 group stage matches, their participation was a milestone.
- In 1999, the Netherlands won their first ever Rugby World Cup match, defeating Spain 36-32. This remains their only World Cup victory to date.
- During the 2003 World Cup, the Dutch put up a spirited performance, winning 2 of their 4 matches including a 53-12 win over Japan. Their 12th place finish is their best ever at the World Cup.
- The Netherlands had to wait 16 years before qualifying again for the World Cup in 2019. They lost all 4 group matches but were competitive in patches.
- Wingers Pieter Wiersma and David van der Sluis scored the Netherlands’ first ever Rugby World Cup tries back in 1995.
- Flanker Corne Roodt has made the most Rugby World Cup appearances for the Netherlands with 7 from 1995-2003.
- Overall, the Dutch have played 16 Rugby World Cup matches, winning 3 and losing 13 since making their debut in 1995.
Though not a top tier rugby nation, the Netherlands has managed some solid performances at the World Cup over the years and will hope to qualify again in the future. Reaching the World Cup remains the pinnacle for Dutch rugby.
Which teams have qualified for the Rugby World Cup 2023?
Get ready for Rugby World Cup 2023 hosted in France!
The games will take place in 9 different French cities from September 8 to October 28 next year. Matches are happening in cool locations like Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux and more.
So far, 20 national teams have qualified, including powerhouse squads from New Zealand, England, South Africa, and Australia.
The teams will be split into 4 groups of 5 for the first round. The top 2 from each group will then battle it out in the quarterfinals. In total 48 matches will go down, ending with the final on October 28 in Paris.
This is the first time ever that France gets to host Rugby World Cup. Cities across the country are already prepping stadiums and getting ready for fans to show up. Supporters from all over the globe will head to France next year to cheer on their teams. Unfortunately, the Canadian team failed to qualify for the event, but you can still watch the Rugby World Cup in Canada on ITV.
There’s less than a year left until Rugby World Cup 2023 starts up! France is working hard to deliver an epic tournament for players and fans alike.
Pool A | Pool B | Pool C | Pool D |
---|---|---|---|
New Zealand | South Africa | Wales | England |
France | Ireland | Australia | Japan |
Italy | Scotland | Fiji | Argentina |
Uruguay | Tonga | Georgia | Samoa |
Namibia | Romania | Portugal | Chile |
Rugby World Cup 2023 Schedule
The 2023 Rugby World Cup is happening this year in France. Here is the complete schedule for the tournament.
Preliminary Rounds
Date | Match | Venue | Time (BST) |
---|---|---|---|
Fri, Sept 8 | France v New Zealand | Stade de France | 8:15pm |
Sat, Sept 9 | Italy v Namibia | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard | 12:00pm |
Sat, Sept 9 | Ireland v Romania | Stade de Bordeaux | 2:30pm |
Sat, Sept 9 | Australia v Georgia | Stade de France | 5:00pm |
Sat, Sept 9 | England v Argentina | Stade de Marseille | 8:00pm |
Sun, Sept 10 | Japan v Chile | Stade de Toulouse | 12:00pm |
Sun, Sept 10 | South Africa v Scotland | Stade de Marseille | 4:45pm |
Sun, Sept 10 | Wales v Fiji | Stade de Bordeaux | 8:00pm |
Thu, Sept 14 | France v Uruguay | Stade Pierre-Mauroy | 8:00pm |
Fri, Sept 15 | New Zealand v Namibia | Stadium de Toulouse | 8:00pm |
Sat, Sept 16 | Samoa v Chile | Stade de Bordeaux | 2:00pm |
Sat, Sept 16 | Wales v Portugal | Stade de Nice | 4:45pm |
Sat, Sept 16 | Ireland v Tonga | Stade de la Beaujoire | 8:00pm |
Sun, Sept 17 | South Africa v Romania | Stade de Bordeaux | 2:00pm |
Sun, Sept 17 | Australia v Fiji | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard | 4:45pm |
Sun, Sept 17 | England v Japan | Stade de Nice | 8:00pm |
Wed, Sept 20 | Italy v Uruguay | Stade de Nice | 4:45pm |
Thu, Sept 21 | France v Namibia | Stade de Marseille | 8:00pm |
Fri, Sept 22 | Argentina v Samoa | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard | 4:45pm |
Sat, Sept 23 | Georgia v Portugal | Stadium de Toulouse | 1:00pm |
Sat, Sept 23 | England v Chile | Stade Pierre-Mauroy | 4:45pm |
Sat, Sept 23 | South Africa v Ireland | Stade de France | 8:00pm |
Sun, Sept 24 | Scotland v Tonga | Stade de Nice | 4:45pm |
Sun, Sept 24 | Wales v Australia | OL Stadium | 8:00pm |
Wed, Sept 27 | Uruguay v Namibia | OL Stadium | 4:45pm |
Thu, Sept 28 | Japan v Samoa | Stade de Toulouse | 8:00pm |
Fri, Sept 29 | New Zealand v Italy | OL Stadium | 8:00pm |
Sat, Sept 30 | Argentina v Chile | Stade de la Beaujoire | 2:00pm |
Sat, Sept 30 | Fiji v Georgia | Stade de Bordeaux | 4:45pm |
Sat, Sept 30 | Scotland v Romania | Stade Pierre-Mauroy | 8:00pm |
Sun, Oct 1 | Australia v Portugal | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard | 4:45pm |
Sun, Oct 1 | South Africa v Tonga | Stade de Marseille | 8:00pm |
Thu, Oct 5 | New Zealand v Uruguay | OL Stadium | 8:00pm |
Fri, Oct 6 | France v Italy | OL Stadium | 8:00pm |
Sat, Oct 7 | Wales v Georgia | Stade de la Beaujoire | 2:00pm |
Sat, Oct 7 | England v Samoa | Stade Pierre-Mauroy | 4:45pm |
Sat, Oct 7 | Ireland v Scotland | Stade de France | 8:00pm |
Sun, Oct 8 | Japan v Argentina | Stade de la Beaujoire | 12:00pm |
Sun, Oct 8 | Tonga v Romania | Stade Pierre-Mauroy | 4:45pm |
Sun, Oct 8 | Fiji v Portugal | Stade de Toulouse | 8:00pm |
Quarter-Finals
Date | Match | Venue | Time (BST) |
---|---|---|---|
Sat, Oct 14 | Winner Pool C v Runner-up Pool D | Stade de Marseille | 4:00pm |
Sat, Oct 14 | Winner Pool B v Runner-up Pool A | Stade de France | 8:00pm |
Sun, Oct 15 | Winner Pool D v Runner-up Pool C | Stade de Marseille | 4:00pm |
Sun, Oct 15 | Winner Pool 4 v Runner-up Pool B | Stade de France | 8:00pm |
Semi-Finals
Date | Match | Venue | Time (BST) |
---|---|---|---|
Fri, Oct 20 | Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 2 | Stade de France | 8:00pm |
Sat, Oct 21 | Winner QF 3 v Winner QF 4 | Stade de France | 8:00pm |
Bronze-Medal Match
Date | Match | Venue | Time (BST) |
---|---|---|---|
Fri, Oct 27 | Runner-up SF 1 v Runner-up SF 2 | Stade de France | 8:00pm |
Final
Date | Match | Venue | Time (BST) |
---|---|---|---|
Sat, Oct 28 | Winner SF 1 v Winner SF 2 | Stade de France | 8:00pm |
FAQs to stream Rugby World Cup 2023
Where to watch Rugby World Cup 2023 Live online for free?
Rugby World Cup 2023 will be streaming on ITV in the UK. The best possible way to stream it on ITV for free is with an ExpressVPN account from anywhere outside the UK.
Which teams has won the Rugby World Cups?
Unlike the FIFA World Cup and ICC Cricket World Cup, the Rugby space is dominated by South Africa and New Zealand, with three victories each. The third-best team is Australia, with two wins (1991 & 1999). England has won the Rugby World Cup one time in 2003.
France has been in the finals three times (1987, 1999, 2011) but never won the Rugby World Cup, but things are a little different this time because France is the host, and the French people are looking to see their team win in their home ground.
Which stadiums will have Rugby World Cup matches?
- Stade de France (Saint-Denis) - This 80,000-capacity stadium in Paris will host the opening match and the final.
- Stade VƩlodrome (Marseille) - The 67,000-seater stadium will host the semi-finals.
- Stade de Lyon (Lyon) - This 59,000-capacity venue will host semi-finals.
- Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Lille) - The 50,000-seater stadium will host group stage and knockout matches.
- Allianz Riviera (Nice) - This 35,000-capacity stadium on the French Riviera will be a group stage venue.
- Stade Geoffroy-Guichard (Saint-Etienne) - The 35,000-seater is another group stage venue.
- Matmut Atlantique (Bordeaux) - This 42,000-capacity stadium will also host group stage matches.
- Stadium Municipal (Toulouse) - The 33,000-seater venue will be used for group stage.
- Stade de la Beaujoire (Nantes) - A 38,000-capacity stadium that will host group stage matches.
Which teams have won the Rugby World Cups?
Here are the teams that have won the Rugby World Cup since the tournament began in 1987:
- New Zealand - The All Blacks have won the Rugby World Cup 3 times (1987, 2011, 2015), making them the most successful team in the tournament's history.
- South Africa - The Springboks have won the World Cup twice, in 1995 and 2007. Their 1995 win was their first World Cup title after the end of apartheid.
- Australia - The Wallabies won back-to-back World Cups in 1991 and 1999. Their 1991 victory was at home.
- England - England won their first and only World Cup title when they hosted the tournament in 2003. They defeated Australia in extra time in the final.
- No other team has won the Rugby World Cup besides these 4. The only other teams to reach the final are France (1987, 1999, 2011) and Argentina (2015).
Some key teams like Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, Fiji, Japan are still searching for their first Rugby World Cup title.
Which cities will matches be held in?
Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Lille, Saint-Etienne, Nantes, Toulouse.
When is the Rugby World Cup final?
The 2023 Rugby World Cup will begin on September 8 with hosts France versus New Zealand at Stade de France in Paris. The final will also be held at Stade de France in Paris on October 28. So the tournament will kick off and conclude in the French capital. In total, 48 matches will take place over seven weeks in 9 cities across France to crown the next World Cup winner.
Wrap Up
The Rugby World Cup is a spectacular global celebration of the sport that unites nations and fans worldwide through a shared love of the game. It creates legends and underdog tales while fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship. For players, it’s the ultimate stage to shine. For fans, it is an unforgettable experience bound by rugby.
The topic of watching the Rugby World Cup 2023 from the Netherlands for free has been discussed thoroughly. The best option you have to watch the tournament for free is on ITV with an ExpressVPN account to change your IP address. We tested it by watching Rugby World Cup in USA, and it worked perfectly.
Other options you have is getting a Ziggo broadband and TV package and watching it on Ziggo Sports or you can get the Ziggo Sports Total package and integrate it with your tv provider.