How To Watch NRL for Free From Anywhere in 2025

Where can I watch the NRL? Some of the NRL 2025 season can be watched live on 9Now for free. However, except for the NRL Finals System, the platform only shows select games in Australia. The WatchNRL app has every game, but it’s also region-restricted.

A VPN makes it possible to watch the National Rugby League from anywhere in HD. VPNs can do this by changing IP addresses and routing online traffic through private servers. It also encrypts your connection, helping you avoid unfair ISP speed throttling. This way, you can safely watch NRL matches with minimal buffering and load times.

After we tested 40+ VPNs, ExpressVPN is my top choice for streaming the NRL live online. It has fast servers worldwide that reliably work with platforms streaming the rugby and offers native apps for all major devices. You can also test ExpressVPN's streaming capabilities risk-free since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Watching NRL in 2025

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

How To Watch the NRL Overseas for Free — Ultimate Guide

The NRL’s 2025 season will be streaming live and for free on 9Now. The only catch is that the platform is only licensed to broadcast only 3 games per week. These games include the Thursday night game, the second Friday night game, and the second Sunday afternoon game for every round except the final series. For the finals, the platform airs all the games including the NRL Grand Final.

A VPN makes it possible to access 9Now and securely stream NRL online from anywhere. This clever little tool also protects your data from snoops and hackers. To watch the games on-demand, you will need Foxtel, Kayo, or any other paid subscription.

1. Download a VPN

Choose a VPN with a worldwide server network to stream NRL 2025 uninterrupted from anywhere in HD. ExpressVPN is my go-to option because of its fast streaming speeds and ability to easily work with all NRL streaming platforms, like 9Now and Foxtel. It also offers native apps for multiple devices, including Apple TV, FireStick, and Android TV.

It now offers a 7-day free trial with all its subscription plans

2. Connect to a Server

Open the VPN app and connect to any server. For example, to securely stream on 9Now, you need an Australian IP address. ExpressVPN also offers a Smart Location feature that automatically connects you to the best possible server for your network.

Click the plus icon to add shortcuts on ExpressVPN's app interface

3. Visit the 9Now Website

To watch any content on 9Now, you will need to create an account first. Account registration is easy and can be completed in less than 3 minutes. You only need to provide some basic personal information and confirm your email, after which all the streaming options, including LiveTV, become available. You don't need to share any financial information to register.

9Now offers highlights and full matches from 2018 and onwards

4. Start Streaming the 2025 NRL Season

You can now watch NRL matches live online for free, including The Grand Final. Only the best VPNs work with Australian TV providers, so make sure to choose a reliable VPN that's for HD-quality streaming of popular platforms.

We experienced no disconnections on any Australian server

This step-by-step guide works for most streaming devices. However, some devices like older smart TVs and Rokus don't natively support VPNs, so you may need to configure your VPN on a compatible router. This way, you can safely stream NRL matches on all connected devices.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Where Can I Watch the 2025 NRL Season Online?

The NRL Telstra Premiership 2025 will kick off on Saturday, March 01, 2025 in Las Vegas. Rugby is the fastest growing college sport in America¹(First Point USA, 2024), so it’s not surprising the event is taking place in the US. While some purists don’t like it, The 2031 Rugby World Cup will be in the US² (World Rugby, 2024), and the NRL has to build excitement.

The premier and the following games will be available to stream across multiple platforms. Other than 9Now, most streaming platforms, even in Australia, only offer paid streaming options. Check the table below to find out where to watch the upcoming season:

Note. Subscription prices and free trial durations of the streaming platforms can be affected by holiday seasons or other special events. So, always check the official websites for updated prices and free trial durations.

Best VPNs To Watch the NRL From Anywhere in 2025

A premium VPN with worldwide servers can safely access platforms streaming the NRL from anywhere. In addition, VPNs safeguard your online privacy, and they can also bypass ISP throttling to improve picture quality and shorten load times. Below are the best VPNs for rugby fans:

1. ExpressVPN — Consistently Fast Speeds To Watch NRL Live in HD From Anywhere

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested February 2025

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN has the fastest streaming speeds for high quality live rugby games thanks to its Lightway protocol. It’s designed to move data faster while consuming minimal battery, making it a great option for streaming on portable devices. During our tests, we watched the NRL 2024 Panthers vs Storm Finale without any issues on a seamless 9Now replay.

Another thing I like about ExpressVPN is that it offers native apps for most popular devices, including several routers. The apps are nearly identical, so there’s no learning curve when you install it on a new device. It even has a smart DNS feature for streaming US, UK, and Australian content devices like gaming consoles and older smart TVs that don’t normally support VPNs.

The only con is that the VPN isn’t the cheapest option, with its most economical plan starting at $4.99/month. However, ExpressVPN offers regular discounts and deals that make it more affordable. I was able to get 61% off and extra months for free with its long-term plan. You can also try it risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee.

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers to Easily Stream the NRL Without Cable

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost has many dedicated streaming servers, including one for securely accessing the NRL on 9Now from anywhere. It also has optimized servers for other sports broadcasters like Hulu, Sky Sports, NowTV, etc. These servers are regularly updated to support high-quality video. All the streaming servers we tested only took a couple of seconds to connect. Even though CyberGhost wasn't as fast as ExpressVPN, we had no trouble streaming in 4K.

With that said, it’s slightly disappointing that its monthly plans offer a much shorter refund period and are more expensive. That’s why I recommend sticking with its $2.19/month long-term plans, which enables you to try CyberGhost free for 45 days with its extended money-back guarantee.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Global Network to Securely Access NRL Streaming Platforms

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA offers servers across 91 countries, making it easy to find fast connections and stream the NRL in HD from anywhere. It also offers optimized servers, but unlike CyberGhost’s platform-specific ones, these are location-specific, for example the US and Australia. In our tests, we successfully streamed rugby on 9Now without a noticeable drop in performance.

Although PIA offers many customization options, they can be tricky for new users. However, its preconfigured settings are perfect for streaming, so you don’t need to tweak anything. Plus, it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can test all its features without risk.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for the NRL

We considered multiple factors to find the best VPNs for streaming the National Rugby League. We tested speeds to see if the VPNs support high-quality live streams, and we also determined whether they’re compatible with the proper streaming platforms. Plus, we had to make sure the VPNs in our list work on the best devices for streaming.

FAQs on Watching the NRL 2025 Live Online

Can I use the WatchNRL app in Australia?

The WatchNRL app is designed for viewers outside of Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. If you’re in Australia, you can use local services like 9Now, Foxtel, or Kayo Sports to watch NRL games live​.

Can I use a free VPN for watching the NRL?

Yes, but it's not advisable. Free VPNs often experience throttled speeds, have fewer server locations, and cap data. These limitations make it very challenging to browse properly, let alone stream a NRL game live without issues. A premium VPN with fast servers and a money-back guarantee is a more reliable alternative.

Can I watch NRL for free in countries like Indonesia, the UK, Canada, France, New Zealand, etc.?

Yes, it’s possible to watch the NRL for free in these countries. Local cable operators offer the NRL broadcasting channels like Bein Sports in France. Alternatively, a top-tier VPN can access HD streams of live NRL matches from anywhere on 9Now. However, do keep in mind that you will need to sign up for the platform to stream the matches,but you don’t have to share any payment details.

Can I stream NRL on my Xbox or other gaming consoles?

Yes, you can stream the NRL on an Xbox and other gaming consoles. Xbox S and X series have Microsoft Edge pre-installed, so you can just open the browser, head to 9Now’s website, and start streaming the NRL matches. Alternatively, you can use the WatchNRL app to stream matches on the latest PlayStation consoles via Airplay or Chromecast.

However, outside Australia, the best way to stream matches for free on 9Now is with a VPN. The VPN needs to be installed on a router and connected to an Australian server. Then, it’s possible to stream via an Xbox browser. All the VPNs on this list support routers and also have a SmartDNS feature that you can use for streaming.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching NRL 2025 from anywhere…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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References

1. https://www.firstpointusa.com/blog/2024/10/rugbyon-the-rise-the-fastest-growing-college-sport-in-the-nation/#:~:text=Rugby%20is%20the%20fastest%20growing,on%20an%20upward%20trajectory%20Stateside/
2. https://www.world.rugby/news/943721/cities-descend-on-washington-dc-as-interest-in-rugby-world-cup-2031-and-2033-ramps-up/