Italy vs Scotland kicks off the Saturday double-header at 2:10pm. This opening fixture for both sides takes place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, where Scotland will hope to avoid an upset against an improving Italian outfit desperate to prove they are no longer the tournament’s regular whipping boys.
Fans can watch Italy vs Scotland live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 1:15pm. For those preferring to stream, the match is available via BBC iPlayer. Interestingly, this fixture is also being broadcast on the subscription channel Premier Sports as part of a new secondary rights deal for 2026.
The focus then shifts to Twickenham for the renewal of one of rugby’s most intense rivalries as England host Wales. Kick-off is scheduled for 4.40pm. England enter the clash on a formidable 11-match winning streak, while Wales have struggled with 11 consecutive defeats in this competition.
The match will be broadcast live on ITV1, with streaming available through ITVX. In a significant shift for 2026, ITV holds a clean sweep of all England’s matches this year. Welsh language viewers can also watch the game on S4C, ensuring comprehensive coverage for fans across the United Kingdom.
Viewers should prepare for a controversial change to the broadcast format. For the first time, ITV will introduce split-screen advertising during live play, specifically before scrum resets.
England’s squad features significant depth, with Steve Borthwick naming three uncapped players in his 36-man group. However, they face a late injury scare regarding star winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who was pulled from training with a leg issue. Regular captain Maro Itoje has been named on the bench.
Wales will arrive at Twickenham as rank outsiders with bookmakers, facing turmoil both on and off the field. Despite their poor run of form, England prop Ellis Genge has warned that a damaged Welsh side is often at its most dangerous, particularly when playing at the home of their oldest rivals in a tournament curtain-raiser.
The 2026 tournament features a shortened schedule to accommodate the new Nations Championship, meaning every point counts more than ever this weekend. Following Saturday’s games, there is no Sunday fixture in round one, as the opening match between France and Ireland was moved to Thursday to avoid the Winter Olympics.