Where to Watch Japan v France: Nick Heath and Benjamin Kayser Commentate on ITV 4 for the Nations Championship
Match date:
Where to Watch Japan v France: Nick Heath and Benjamin Kayser Commentate on ITV 4 for the Nations Championship
UK rugby fans can watch the thrilling Japan v France clash in the Nations Championship live on ITV 4 HD and streamed via ITV X, with commentary from Nick Heath and co-commentator Benjamin Kayser. The match kicks off at 09:40 UK time on Saturday, 18 July 2026, offering a prime Saturday morning fixture for British, Irish, Australian, and New Zealand viewers.
ITV has secured free-to-air coverage of the Nations Championship for UK viewers in 2026 and 2028, marking the most comprehensive broadcast deal in the competition's history so far[8]. This ensures that all British audiences can enjoy the game without subscription fees, while international fans have access through multiple global platforms including Sky Sport 5 NZ, Stan Sport (Australia), SuperSport Variety 1 HD (South Africa), and the World Feed via RugbyPass TV.
The Commentary Team: Nick Heath and Benjamin Kayser
Nick Heath brings experienced voice work to the ITV 4 broadcast, having previously served as a commentator for ITV's Six Nations coverage alongside Miles Harrison and Nick Mullins[1][2]. While Heath is not listed among the main Six Nations commentators for 2024, his inclusion here signals ITV's strategy of rotating trusted voices across its expanding rugby portfolio, including the Nations Championship.
Joining him is Benjamin Kayser, a former French hooker and Rugby World Cup winner with France's 2011 squad[1]. Kayser has established himself as a regular pundit and co-commentator for ITV during major tournaments, including the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup, where he provided expert analysis alongside Jonny Wilkinson, Brian O'Driscoll, and Rory Best[1][3]. His dual nationality and deep understanding of French rugby make him a particularly insightful partner for the France vs Japan matchup.
For the global audience, Jack Zorab serves as the main commentator with Rory Lawson as co-commentator. Zorab, a Scottish rugby journalist and former player, has covered international rugby for Premier Sports and RugbyPass, while Lawson, a former Scotland captain and 2007 World Cup finalist, brings elite-level experience to the booth[1].
Global Viewing Options
Apart from ITV in the UK, fans across the world can access the match via:
- Joyn.de (Germany)
- Premier Player Canada
- Premier Sports Asia
- RugbyPass TV (World Feed)
- Sky Sport 5 NZ (New Zealand)
- Stan Sport (Australia)
- SuperSport Variety 1 HD (South Africa)
- Virgin Media Play (Ireland)
These platforms ensure that rugby fans globally can follow the Nations Championship without geographic barriers, though some may require subscription access or geo-restriction verification.
Background on the Broadcast Team
ITV's rugby coverage is anchored by presenters Mark Pougatch and Jill Douglas, who lead the studio analysis alongside a heavyweight pundit panel including Brian O'Driscoll, Jonny Wilkinson, Ronan O'Gara, and Maggie Alphonsi[1][3]. While Heath and Kayser headline the Japan vs France broadcast, the broader ITV team continues to deliver in-depth analysis across all Nations Championship fixtures.
Kayser, in particular, has become a staple of ITV's French rugby coverage, frequently appearing during Six Nations and World Cup broadcasts to dissect French tactics and player performance[1][7]. His World Cup-winning pedigree adds significant credibility to his on-air insights.
For more information on ITV's rugby rights and broadcast schedules, visit ITV Rugby.
Article generated: 18 July 2026, 10:01 GMT