The BBC’s coverage of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations Championship is taking shape — and fans can expect a familiar blend of broadcasting experience and rugby insight.
Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local Greene King sports pub.
Former referee Nigel Owens has been confirmed as part of the BBC’s on-screen team once again, offering expert breakdowns of the big decisions throughout the tournament.
With the BBC showing one match per round in 2026 — sharing broadcast rights with ITV and Premier Sports — attention has turned to who will be providing the commentary, analysis and punditry across the championship.
Here’s the line-up so far.
Television Coverage
Gabby Logan Leads the Team
Gabby Logan will once again anchor the BBC’s live coverage across TV and BBC iPlayer, guiding viewers through the biggest fixtures and moments of the tournament.
Star-Studded Punditry Panel
Logan will be joined by a strong group of former internationals, including:
Martin Johnson – England’s World Cup-winning captain and one of the BBC’s most recognisable voices
Sam Warburton – Former Wales skipper bringing sharp tactical insight
Tommy Bowe – Ex-Ireland winger offering attacking analysis
Jonathan Davies – Welsh legend and long-time BBC pundit
Chris Paterson – Scotland’s record points scorer
Danny Care – England scrum-half adding co-commentary and breakdown work
Nigel Owens Confirmed
One of the headline names is former referee Nigel Owens, who will again feature prominently, providing clarity and expertise on refereeing calls and controversial moments.
Andrew Cotter on Lead Commentary
Andrew Cotter will continue as the BBC’s main TV commentator throughout the championship.
Pitchside Reporting
Covering the action from the touchline will be:
Sonja McLaughlan
Lee McKenzie
Both will deliver interviews, team news and atmosphere from inside the stadiums.
The BBC’s traditional highlights programme Rugby Special will also return during the Six Nations, hosted by:
The show will air every Sunday during match weeks on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
While the BBC will only broadcast selected matches live on TV, every single game will be covered on BBC Sounds, Radio 5 Live and Sports Extra.
Lead Voice
Coverage will be headed up by BBC Rugby Union Correspondent:
Radio Commentary Team Includes
Matt Dawson
Paul Grayson
Chris Ashton
Johnnie Beattie
Fraser Brown
Philippa Tuttiett
Ken Owens
Donncha O’Callaghan
EDITORS PICKS:
Nigel Owens Names Dream Team of Players He Refereed
Notably, a striking facet of Owens’ chosen players is their collective leadership qualities, with the majority of the selected individuals having served as captains for their respective nations.
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”
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