Ranked number #1 in the world, Ireland will kick off their 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign against Romania. Don’t miss the Ireland vs Romania live stream – stay in the loop with the information provided below. We’ve got comprehensive information on all the Rugby World Cup fixtures and how to catch them right here. Plus, we’ll provide you with comprehensive instructions on how to tune in to the game, no matter where you’re located, including information on how to watch free online from anywhere.
Ireland, entering the Rugby World Cup 2023 as the top-ranked nation globally, kick off their Pool B campaign against Romania. The Romanian team is back at this prestigious event after failing to qualify four years ago.
The Irish team holds a flawless track record against their Eastern European rivals, known as “The Oaks.” They have secured victory in all nine encounters dating back to 1986, including three previous clashes in Rugby World Cups.
Under the leadership of Andy Farrell, Ireland aims to extend their winning streak to four in a row and establish a strong beginning in what promises to be a challenging pool.
When is Ireland vs. Romania?
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 9. On this date, Ireland and Romania will face off in what promises to be an exhilarating match at the Rugby World Cup 2023.
Where is Ireland vs. Romania?
The match will take place at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France. This stadium is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and is an ideal setting for a game of this magnitude.
What Time is Kick-Off?
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:30 PM CET (2:30 PM Irish time, 1:30 PM GMT), ensuring an afternoon of top-quality rugby action.
How to watch Ireland vs. Romania live stream free?
For fans watching on TV, here are the channels broadcasting the Ireland vs. Romania match:
- TF1 Group (France)
- RTE and Virgin (Ireland)
- TVR (Romania)
- Rai (Italy)
- Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC)
- ITV (UK)
- France 2 (France)
- SuperSport (South Africa)
- Sky Sports (New Zealand)
- Stan Sport (Australia)
- TSN (Canada)
- NBC (USA)
How to Live Stream Ireland vs. Romania Online
If you prefer online streaming, several OTT (Over-The-Top) video streaming services have you covered:
- Peacock TV
- RugbyPass TV
- FuboTV
- SlingTV
- DirecTV Stream
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- ITV Hub+ (ITVX Premium)
Ireland vs. Romania Live Stream from Anywhere
If you’re in a location where these streaming services are geo-restricted, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access them. Choose a VPN service, connect to a server in a region where the service is available, and enjoy the match as if you were there.
Here are some popular VPNs:
- NordVPN
- ExpressVPN
- Surfshark
- CyberGhost
How to Listen to Ireland vs. Romania?
For those who prefer listening to the exciting commentary, you can tune in via radio or online services:
- RTE Radio (Ireland)
- RFI (France)
- Radio Romania (Romania)
- RaiPlay (Italy)
- NBC (Namibia)
- BBC Radio 5 Live (UK)
- RFI (France)
- SuperSport Radio (South Africa)
- Radio New Zealand (New Zealand)
- ESPN Radio (USA)
Team News
The opening weekend presents the most one-sided contest, as Ireland is expected to dominate Romania convincingly. The Romanian team faced heavy defeats at the hands of both Italy and Georgia in their warm-up matches.
However, this match holds immense importance for Jonny Sexton, who missed all of Ireland’s warm-up games due to suspension following an incident involving match officials after the European Champions Cup final. Sexton was a mere spectator on that occasion and has had limited playing time since Ireland’s Six Nations Grand Slam victory. Consequently, he is in desperate need of some match experience.
It’s likely that Sexton will contribute a solid 40 minutes before being substituted by coach Andy Farrell, especially since Ireland’s next match against Tonga promises to be a more challenging encounter compared to what the Romanians can present.
Although World Rugby’s reigning Player of the Year, Josh van der Flier, will come off the bench, Ireland has announced a formidable lineup determined to set the tone for their tournament with a dominant victory.
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (GRU)
Ireland line-ups
Hugo Keenan; Keith Earls, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Johnny Sexton (captain), Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Rob Herring, Tadhg Furlong; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Tadhg Beirne, Peter O’Mahony, Caelan Doris
Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Jeremy Loughman, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson, Josh van der Flier, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Robbie Henshaw
Romania line-ups
Marius Simionescu; Nicholas Onutu, Fonovai Tangimana, Jason Tomane, Tevita Manumua; Hinckley Vaovasa, Gabriel Rupanu; Iulian Hartig, Ovidiu Cojocaru, Alexandru Gordas; Adrian Motoc, Stefan Iancu; Florian Rosu, Vlad Neculau, Cristian Chirica (captain)
Replacements: Florin Bardasu, Alexandru Savin, Gheorghe Gajion, Marius Iftimiciuc, Dragos Ser, Alin Conache, Tudor Boldor, Taylor Gontineac
