England’s opening Test match of the summer against Japan will be shown live and free in the UK and Ireland – but not on mainstream television.
The June 22 clash in Tokyo will be available on RugbyPass TV – World Rugby’s global streaming service that was launched last year – the governing body and Rugby Football Union announced.
The game pitches Steve Borthwick’s team against a Japan side now coached by his England predecessor Eddie Jones, and will be shown via the RugbyPass TV website and app.
England then play two Tests against New Zealand in July, with those matches being broadcast by Sky Sports.
England Rugby marketing director Ewan Turney said: “This is an exciting partnership with World Rugby to enable all fans in the UK and Ireland to watch this historic match for free.
“We know that younger audiences are gravitating towards streaming platforms, and fans are watching matches on a multitude of devices, so we have chosen this free to air route.”