World Rugby will be live streaming classic men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup matches to fill the rugby void for fans created by the coronavirus pandemic.

The free-to-access service kicks off today with the epic Rugby World Cup 1991 quarter-final between France and England, which will be streamed live and in full via the official Rugby World Cup Facebook page at 14:30 GMT.

Fans are players are being asked to select their favourite matches, with the most popular joining the schedule of classics that World Rugby will stream.

And that’s not all. Expert commentary, live blogging and thoughts from those who were there, will generate a truly immersive and engaging experience for fans around the world.

Future matches already selected include:

  • Rugby World Cup 2011 France v Tonga – 27 March 2020
  • Rugby World Cup 2007 Wales v Fiji – 28 March 2020
  • Rugby World Cup 2019 Uruguay v Fiji – 29 March 2020

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “At this challenging time for fans around the world, and with many people social distancing, we are determined to ensure that there is plenty of excellent rugby to watch, engage with and enjoy online.

“By streaming these classic matches, we wish strengthen the spirit of community within the rugby family, generating excitement, interest and debate.

“It will be fascinating to see fans discuss their memories on social media and observe how the game has changed since the first men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups – and we want to hear how collectively we can enhance the game for all moving forward.

“Fans should make a date with our Facebook page at 14:30 today to watch our first classic – the titanic tussle between France and England in the Rugby World Cup 1991 quarter-final in Paris.”