With the Rugby World Cup underway, many Australian rugby fans are wondering if they can watch the Wallabies on free-to-air television. The short answer is yes, you can watch the Wallabies on free-to-air TV, but not all of their matches will be available. Here is a more detailed look at how to watch the Wallabies during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Wallabies Broadcast Rights in Australia
In Australia, the broadcast rights for the Rugby World Cup are shared between subscription service Stan Sport and free-to-air networks Nine and Ten. Stan Sport has the rights to stream all 48 matches live, while Nine and Ten will share the rights to broadcast many of the matches on free-to-air TV.
Nine has secured the rights to air all of Australia’s pool stage matches, quarterfinals and semifinals live on free-to-air. Ten will broadcast the final on a one hour delay.
This means that fans will be able to watch all of the Wallabies pool matches against Fiji, Wales, Georgia and Portugal live on Nine’s 9Gem channel. The quarterfinals and semifinals will also be on Nine if Australia progresses that far in the tournament.
Wallabies Matches on Free-to-Air TV
Based on Australia’s draw and the broadcast schedule, here are the Wallabies matches you can watch on free-to-air TV:
| Stage | Match | Date | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pool Stage | Australia vs Fiji | October 9 | 9Gem |
| Pool Stage | Australia vs Wales | October 15 | 9Gem |
| Pool Stage | Australia vs Georgia | October 23 | 9Gem |
| Pool Stage | Australia vs Portugal | October 29 | 9Gem |
| Quarterfinal | TBD | October 16/17 | 9Gem |
| Semifinal | TBD | October 27/28 | 9Gem |
As you can see, all four of Australia’s pool matches will be on 9Gem. If they make the quarterfinals and semifinals, those matches will also be shown live on Nine’s 9Gem channel.
Watching Wallabies Matches Online
There are also online options for streaming Wallabies matches at the World Cup:
Stan Sport
Stan Sport will stream every Wallabies match live online. Subscription plans start from $10 per month. You can access Stan Sport from a wide range of devices including smart TVs, mobiles, tablets, laptops and PCs.
9Now
Nine’s 9Now streaming platform will have live streams of all the Wallabies pool matches, quarterfinals and semifinals. You can access 9Now for free by creating an account.
10Play
Ten’s 10Play platform will have a delayed stream of the World Cup final if Australia makes it. You can access 10Play for free by creating an account.
How to Get 9Gem and Tune in for Free
To watch the Wallabies on free-to-air, you will need access to Nine’s 9Gem channel. Here are some ways to tune into 9Gem:
Digital TV
If you have a digital TV, you can access 9Gem by tuning to Channel 90 or 93 depending on your location.
Analogue TV
If you still have an analogue TV, you can purchase a digital set top box to access digital free-to-air channels like 9Gem. Set top boxes start from around $40.
TV Antenna
You’ll need a TV antenna installed to pick up Nine’s free-to-air signal and access 9Gem. If you don’t have an aerial, you can have one professionally installed for around $180.
Watching in Pubs and Clubs
Another way to watch the action for free is head down to your local pub or club. Many pubs show live sport and the Rugby World Cup will be no exception. With all Wallabies pool matches on free-to-air, most pubs should have the 9Gem coverage on at least one screen.
Many RSL clubs will also broadcast matches. Clubs like the Leagues Club get preference from Nine to show their coverage. Most clubs won’t charge entry fees and have family friendly areas if you want to take the kids.
Listening on Radio
If you can’t watch the matches live, ABC Grandstand provides excellent radio commentary of the Rugby World Cup. You can tune in on AM radio, online, or via the ABC Listen app for iOS or Android.
Watching Highlights
If you miss the game altogether, you can catch up with all the highlights from the Wallabies matches on free-to-air TV. Nine’s WWOS will have comprehensive highlights packages from every Wallabies game.
Using a VPN to Watch Online
If you’re overseas during the World Cup, geo-blocking restrictions may prevent you from watching Wallabies matches online. Using a VPN allows you to bypass these restrictions.
A VPN assigns you a virtual IP address in a location of your choosing. This allows you to access online content as if you were in that location. For example, using an Australian VPN server will let you access 9Now as if you were located in Australia.
Some popular VPN providers include NordVPN, ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. A VPN subscription typically costs $5-12 per month. Make sure to choose a provider with Australian servers and fast speeds for live sports streaming.
Subscription Options for the Rugby World Cup
In addition to the free options outlined above, there are some paid subscription options that provide access to every match of the tournament live:
Stan Sport
As mentioned, Stan Sport has the rights to stream all 48 Rugby World Cup matches live. Subscriptions start from $10 per month.
Foxtel
Foxtel has every match live via its sports packages. You’ll need the Sport HD package for $25 per month if you’re an existing Foxtel customer, or you can stream matches with Foxtel Now from $35 per month.
Optus Sport
Optus Sport will have all Wallabies matches and the semifinals and final live. Optus Sport is available for $14.99 per month.
Conclusion
While not every Wallabies match will be on free-to-air TV, Australian rugby fans will get to watch many World Cup games without paying a cent. Nine’s 9Gem will broadcast all of Australia’s pool stage clashes with Fiji, Wales, Georgia and Portugal plus the quarterfinals and semifinals should Australia progress.
The easiest way to access the free 9Gem coverage is with a digital TV and antenna. You can also watch matches online for free via 9Now. Stan Sport, Foxtel and Optus Sport provide paid subscription options for every match live, while your local pub is another good free option.
With a mix of free and paid viewing choices, it’s an exciting time for Wallabies fans to experience the thrills and spills of the Rugby World Cup.
