Japan host France on Matchday 3 of Nations Championship 2026 as two sides with a win and a defeat thus far in the Southern Hemisphere Series meet in Tokyo. Fabien Galthie has rung the front row changes as Les Bleus seek to go into the holiday season on a positive win.
Eddie Jones, though, will love nothing more than bloodying the nose of a bigger boy. The Brave Blossoms opened the tournament with an impressive 27-10 win over Italy before a 36-20 loss to Ireland last weekend in which the Asian side performed creditably. Fly half Ryunosuke Ito will again start with his boot key to Japan performing top of many kicking metrics this tournament.
For France, Galthie has brought in Regis Montagne, Maxime Lamothe and Jefferson Poirot to the front row after declaring himself unsatisfied with the pack in the 42-26 drubbing of Australia last weekend. Though Les Bleus came close to beating New Zealand on opening weekend, they will have expected to have come out better from one win and a defeat. Maxime Lucu has impressed at scrum half in Antoine Dupont’s absence. Matthieu Jalibert is in at full-back.
Read on as we explain how to watch Japan vs France for free in the 2026 Nations Championship.
Can you watch Japan vs France for free?
Yes. Japan vs France is being shown on free-to-air Rugbypass TV in the US, on ITVX in the UK, and on Virgin Media Play in Ireland.
Traveling abroad right now? You can use a VPN to watch Japan vs France for free as if you were right at home.
Use a VPN to watch Japan vs France live streams
A VPN is handy piece of software that can make your device appear as if it’s back in your home country, so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with up to 75% off.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in the US
Japan vs France, along with all 42 Nations Championship games, is available to live stream for FREE on Rugbypass TV in the US.
You can tune in via the Rugbypass TV website or app, and it works with Chromecast, Airplay, Apple TV and Android TV.
Outside of the US? Use a VPN while you’re traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in the UK
In the UK, Japan vs France is free-to-air on ITV1, with live streaming available via ITVX.
All you need is an account, a TV license and a UK postcode (e.g.HA9 0WS). Sign up here!
If you’re out of the UK but still want to tune in, explore the VPN route set out above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in Ireland
Japan vs France is free-to-air on the Virgin Media Play platform in Ireland.
You will need an account to watch this stream.
Outside Ireland? You’ll need to download a VPN, as detailed above, to tap into your free Nations Championship stream from abroad.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in Australia
In Australia, Japan vs France is exclusive to Stan Sport.
Stan Sport costs AU$20/month on top of a Stan subscription, which itself starts at AU$12/month.
Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN like NordVPN to watch the action as if you were back home.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Sky Sport NZ is showing the Japan vs France game.
You can access Sky Sport through satellite TV or get a live stream, with the Sky Sport Now subscription service starting at NZ$29.99 per day or NZ$59.99 per month.
Those outside of New Zealand for any part of the Nations Championship can use NordVPN to gain access to their home streaming service.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in South Africa
The Japan vs France game is being shown on Supersport in South Africa.
You’ll need a DStv access package to watch the Nations Championship, with prices starting at Rs99/month for the streaming version.
Abroad right now? Just use a VPN and tell your device that you’re back home and you’ll be good to go.
How to watch Japan vs France live streams in Canada
In Canada, Japan vs France is being shown on Premier Sports.
A monthly pass costs CA$29.99. You’ll need either the CA$79.99 six-month pass or the CA$139.99/year annual subscription to tune into the whole tournament.
If you’re out of Canada but still want to catch the action, explore the VPN route set out above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.
What is the Japan vs France start time?
The scheduled Japan vs France kick-off time on Saturday, July 18 is 5.40pm JST local time in Tokyo, which is 1.40am PT / 4.40am ET / 9.40am BST / 6.40pm AEST.
What is the Japan vs France head-to-head?
France have won seven of their eight previous encounters with Japan. There has been one draw.
In Japan, the head-to-head stands at 2-0 to France.
Can I watch Japan vs France on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone’s browser. For example, Rugbypass TV, ITVX, BBC iPlayer and Virgin Media Play all have dedicated apps.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. 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.
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