Where to Watch Australia vs Italy: ITV 1 and ITVX Commentators and Fixtures for Nations Championship
Match date:
Where to Watch Australia vs Italy: ITV 1 and ITVX Commentators and Fixtures for Nations Championship
British, Irish, Australian, and New Zealand fans can watch the Australia v Italy Nations Championship rugby match live on ITV 1, ITV HD, and the free streaming service ITV X, with the game kicking off at 11:10 UK time on Saturday, 18 July 2026 [1][2]. Scottish viewers can also access the broadcast via STV Player and STV Scotland HD, both geo-restricted to the UK [1].
ITV holds exclusive free-to-air broadcasting rights for the entire 2026 Nations Championship, covering all 42 matches across ITV1 and ITV4, with every game available to stream on ITVX without charge [1][9]. This landmark deal, secured with Six Nations Rugby, ensures the tournament remains accessible to all UK viewers for the 2026 and 2028 editions [1].
Commentary Team and Presenters
The coverage begins with presenter Ugo Monye, a former Ireland and London Irish rugby union player who has become a well-respected voice on British sports television, particularly through his work on BBC and ITV rugby coverage [1]. Monye brings tactical insight and a calm, engaging presence to the broadcast, drawing on his experience as a professional player and broadcaster.
Leading the commentary desk is Johnnie Hammond, the main commentator for the match. Hammond is a seasoned rugby broadcaster with deep knowledge of the sport, having covered numerous Six Nations, Rugby World Cups, and international tours for ITV and other networks. His crisp delivery and authoritative tone make him a staple of British rugby union broadcasting.
Joining Hammond is co-commentator Nolli Waterman, a former Brisbane Broncos and Australian rugby league star who transitioned into rugby union commentary and analysis. Waterman’s background in professional rugby provides valuable on-pitch perspective, especially when dissecting Australia’s attacking shape and Italy’s defensive resilience. Their duo ensures a balanced mix of technical analysis and narrative flair.
The punditry panel features two high-profile figures: Maggie Alphonsi and George Gregan. Alphonsi, a former England women’s captain and 2007 World Cup winner, is now one of the most prominent female rugby pundits in the UK. She has worked extensively for BBC and ITV, offering sharp tactical breakdowns and courageous opinion. Her career includes a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for her advocacy work, adding depth to her public profile beyond rugby [1].
George Gregan, Australia’s legendary scrum-half and one of the most-capped players in rugby history with 139 caps, brings unparalleled insight into the Wallabies’ mindset. Gregan played a defining role in Australia’s 1999 World Cup victory and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players from the Southern Hemisphere. His presence on the panel is a major draw for Australian fans and underscores the global appeal of the Nations Championship [1].
Match Context and Schedule
The Australia v Italy fixture takes place at HBF Park in Perth, as part of the Southern Hemisphere Series of the Nations Championship [1][3]. This round, known as “Super Saturday”, features six matches across the globe, including New Zealand vs Ireland, Japan vs France, Fiji vs Scotland, South Africa vs Wales, and Argentina vs England [2][3].
The tournament itself unfolds in three segments: the Southern Hemisphere Series (4–18 July), the Northern Hemisphere Series (6–21 November), and the finals at Twickenham (27–29 November) [1]. All of England, Ireland, and Italy’s home Six Nations matches in 2026 will also be broadcast live on ITV, reinforcing the broadcaster’s central role in UK rugby coverage [6].
For fans unable to watch live, ITVX offers replay options, and a valid TV Licence is required to stream live television in the UK [10]. New users can also sign up for a free trial of ITVX Premium via Amazon Prime to access the service [2].
Why This Match Matters
Australia, aiming to build momentum ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup warm-up, face a determined Italy side known for its improving defensive structure and competitive spirit in recent internationals [1]. With both teams vying for position in the Southern Hemisphere standings, this match could influence final tournament rankings and seeding for the November finals.
With the entire Nations Championship available free on ITV and ITVX, fans across the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand have unprecedented access to top-tier international rugby. The broadcast team, led by Ugo Monye, Johnnie Hammond, Nolli Waterman, Maggie Alphonsi, and George Gregan, ensures a rich, informed, and engaging viewing experience for all [1].
For more on the Nations Championship and its global impact, visit Radiotimes’ full guide.
Article generated: 17 July 2026, 23:11 GMT