All Blacks Kick Off Time vs Ireland: Fixtures & TV Guide

Chicago’s Soldier Field hosts one of rugby’s most anticipated rematches in years — Ireland against the New Zealand All Blacks on November 1, 2025. If you’re trying to figure out what time the game kicks off in your part of the world, or which channel you need to tune into, you’re in the right place. Kick-off is locked in for 8.10pm GMT, with free coverage available in Ireland on Virgin Media and subscription options spanning everything from Sky Sport NZ to Peacock in the United States.

Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago · Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 · Kick-off: 8.10pm GMT / 3.10pm CT / 4.10pm ET / 9.10am NZDT (Sunday) · Coverage starts: From 7pm local time across most regions

The key details for the Ireland vs New Zealand Gallagher Cup fixture are summarized in the table below, with sources from official broadcasters and event organizers.

What time is kick off Ireland v All Blacks?

The Ireland versus New Zealand Gallagher Cup match kicks off at 3.10pm local Chicago time (8.10pm GMT / 4.10pm ET) on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Soldier Field. For viewers in Ireland, that’s 8.10pm Irish time, while New Zealand fans will catch the action at 9.10am NZDT on Sunday, November 2. Gates open at 1:00PM local, giving spectators a two-hour window before kick-off to reach their seats and soak in the atmosphere.

Venue details

Soldier Field’s official event page confirms gates open at 1:00PM local time, with parking lots opening at 11:00AM on match day. The venue’s official statement describes the match as a rematch of the iconic 2016 showdown, where Ireland ended a 111-year wait for victory over New Zealand with a stunning 40-29 result at the same Chicago stadium. This rematch carries significant weight as both nations enter ranked No.3 and No.2 respectively in world rugby.

What this means: Chicago fans traveling from downtown have roughly two hours from parking opening to reach their seats before the gates close for entry.

What time is Wales v. NZ kick off?

The Ireland match serves as the headline fixture, but for viewers tracking other All Blacks fixtures, the official All Blacks official site lists comprehensive broadcast details across multiple platforms. The Quilter Nations Series runs from November 1-29, 2025, featuring over 20 matches, with Sky Sport NZ providing comprehensive coverage throughout the tour. Check the official allblacks.com fixtures page for the latest Wales and England match times.

Upcoming fixture context

Andy Farrell’s Ireland side kicks off their November window against the All Blacks before facing additional autumn international opponents. England versus the All Blacks is scheduled for December 7 at 8 a.m. ET, according to confirmed listings. The Northern Tour 2025 coverage extends across Sky NZ, with subscription options starting from $54.99 per month or day passes available.

How to watch All Blacks game tonight?

For Irish viewers, the match is available free on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Play, with pre-match coverage beginning at 7.00pm IST. The IRFU has confirmed Virgin Media as the official free-to-air broadcaster for the Republic of Ireland. UK viewers need a TNT Sports subscription, with coverage starting at 7.45pm GMT on TNT Sports 2 or via Discovery+ streaming platform.

Live streaming options

• Ireland: Free on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Play (pre-match from 7pm IST)
• UK: TNT Sports 2 or Discovery+ (coverage from 7.45pm GMT)
• USA: Peacock streaming and CNBC broadcast at 4pm ET
• New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ at 9.10am NZDT (from $54.99/month or day pass)
• Australia: Stan Sport at 7.10am Sunday ($20/month add-on, ad-free)
• South Africa: SuperSport at 10.10pm SAST via DStv or streaming

TV channels by country

NBC Sports confirmed they air the match on Peacock and CNBC at 4pm ET on Saturday, November 1, 2025, as part of the Quilter Nations Series. The official All Blacks official broadcast listing also references BeIn Sports France for French viewers and additional regional options. Rugby World advises overseas viewers to consider VPN services for accessing home market streams.

The implication: Irish fans have the most accessible viewing option with no subscription required, while fans in most other regions face paywalls.

Is the All Black game on Sky?

Sky Sport NZ provides the official New Zealand broadcast for All Blacks matches, with this Ireland fixture scheduled for 9.10am NZDT on Sunday, November 2. The subscription service, operated by New Zealand Rugby, costs from $54.99 per month with day passes available for those who prefer not to commit to a monthly plan.

Sky NZ coverage

The official allblacks.com site lists Sky Sport NZ among confirmed broadcasters alongside SuperSport (South Africa), NBC Peacock, and TNT Sports. Sky NZ has historically provided comprehensive coverage including pre-match analysis, half-time commentary, and post-match breakdowns. For viewers outside New Zealand seeking Sky NZ content, VPN services may allow access to geo-restricted streams, according to Rugby World guidance.

What TV channel is the rugby on tonight in NZ?

New Zealand viewers can watch the Ireland match live on Sky Sport, with the broadcast beginning at 9.10am NZDT on Sunday morning. Sky Sport’s rugby coverage is available through the Sky NZ platform, which offers both subscription packages and pay-per-view day passes. Virgin Media also confirmed free coverage for Irish viewers with pre-match programming starting at 7pm IST on their terrestrial and streaming platforms.

NZ broadcast options

Sky Sport NZ remains the primary destination for All Blacks coverage in New Zealand, with the official team website confirming this arrangement. For the Northern Tour 2025, Sky NZ provides comprehensive coverage across their sports channels. The NBC Sports press release confirms this match is part of the Quilter Nations Series, with over 20 matches scheduled between November 1-29, 2025.

What this means: New Zealand fans paying for Sky Sport get access to the full Nations Series, not just individual matches, making the monthly fee more cost-effective for dedicated rugby followers.

Summary

For Irish fans, the Gallagher Cup rematch offers the most accessible viewing arrangement: free Virgin Media coverage with pre-match starting at 7pm IST and kick-off at 8.10pm Irish time. UK viewers pay for TNT Sports access, American fans stream via Peacock, and New Zealand supporters commit to Sky Sport’s monthly subscription. The real story is the timing — with gates opening at 1:00PM local Chicago time, those heading to Soldier Field have a comfortable two-hour window before kick-off. Nine years after Ireland’s historic 40-29 win over New Zealand at this same stadium, the rematch on November 1, 2025, promises to deliver the same electric atmosphere, with the world watching across six continents. Irish fans get the best deal: free coverage on Virgin Media with pre-match starting at 7pm IST; UK viewers pay for TNT Sports; US fans stream on Peacock; New Zealand supporters pay from $54.99/month for Sky Sport at 9.10am NZDT Sunday.