The BBC\u2019s coverage of the\u00a02026 Guinness Six Nations Championship\u00a0is taking shape \u2014 and fans can expect a familiar blend of broadcasting experience and rugby insight.<\/p>\n
Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local\u00a0Greene King sports pub<\/a>.<\/p>\n Former referee\u00a0Nigel Owens has been confirmed\u00a0as part of the BBC\u2019s on-screen team once again, offering expert breakdowns of the big decisions throughout the tournament.<\/p>\n With the BBC showing\u00a0one match per round\u00a0in 2026 \u2014 sharing broadcast rights with ITV and Premier Sports \u2014 attention has turned to who will be providing the commentary, analysis and punditry across the championship.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the line-up so far.<\/p>\n Television Coverage<\/p>\n Gabby Logan Leads the Team<\/p>\n Gabby Logan will once again anchor the BBC\u2019s live coverage across TV and BBC iPlayer, guiding viewers through the biggest fixtures and moments of the tournament.<\/p>\n Star-Studded Punditry Panel<\/p>\n Logan will be joined by a strong group of former internationals, including:<\/p>\n Martin Johnson\u00a0\u2013 England\u2019s World Cup-winning captain and one of the BBC\u2019s most recognisable voices<\/p>\n Sam Warburton\u00a0\u2013 Former Wales skipper bringing sharp tactical insight<\/p>\n Tommy Bowe\u00a0\u2013 Ex-Ireland winger offering attacking analysis<\/p>\n Jonathan Davies\u00a0\u2013 Welsh legend and long-time BBC pundit<\/p>\n Chris Paterson\u00a0\u2013 Scotland\u2019s record points scorer<\/p>\n Danny Care\u00a0\u2013 England scrum-half adding co-commentary and breakdown work<\/p>\n Nigel Owens Confirmed<\/p>\n One of the headline names is former referee\u00a0Nigel Owens, who will again feature prominently, providing clarity and expertise on refereeing calls and controversial moments.<\/p>\n Andrew Cotter on Lead Commentary<\/p>\n Andrew Cotter will continue as the BBC\u2019s main TV commentator throughout the championship.<\/p>\n Pitchside Reporting<\/p>\n Covering the action from the touchline will be:<\/p>\n Sonja McLaughlan<\/p>\n Lee McKenzie<\/p>\n Both will deliver interviews, team news and atmosphere from inside the stadiums.<\/p>\n The BBC\u2019s traditional highlights programme\u00a0Rugby Special\u00a0will also return during the Six Nations, hosted by:<\/p>\n The show will air every Sunday during match weeks on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.<\/p>\n While the BBC will only broadcast selected matches live on TV,\u00a0every single game\u00a0will be covered on BBC Sounds, Radio 5 Live and Sports Extra.<\/p>\n Lead Voice<\/p>\n Coverage will be headed up by BBC Rugby Union Correspondent:<\/p>\n Radio Commentary Team Includes<\/p>\n Matt Dawson<\/p>\n Paul Grayson<\/p>\n Chris Ashton<\/p>\n Johnnie Beattie<\/p>\n Fraser Brown<\/p>\n Philippa Tuttiett<\/p>\n Ken Owens<\/p>\n Donncha O\u2019Callaghan<\/p>\n EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n Nigel Owens Names Dream Team of Players He Refereed<\/p>\n Notably, a striking facet of Owens\u2019 chosen players is their collective leadership qualities, with the majority of the selected individuals having served as captains for their respective nations.<\/p>\n NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:<\/p>\n Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)<\/p>\n Owens said: \u201cFor me, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I go for Folau \u2013 only just, I should stress \u2013 because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He\u2019s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a toss of a coin for me\u2026 and it\u2019s come down in Folau\u2019s favour.\u201d<\/p>\n Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)<\/p>\n Owens said: \u201cHow can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He\u2019s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.<\/p>\n \u201cI know he\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you see who is on the other wing in my team, you\u2019ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.\u201d<\/p>\n Outside-centre: Brian O\u2019Driscoll (Ireland)<\/p>\n Owens said: \u201cNot only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he\u2019s a fantastic man off the field as well. O\u2019Driscoll 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.<\/p>\n \u201cA legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.\u201d<\/p>\n Inside-centre: Ma\u2019a Nonu (New Zealand)<\/p>\n Owens said: \u201cHe\u2019s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma\u2019a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we\u2019ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.\u201d<\/p>\n Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)<\/p>\n Owens said: \u201cWhen people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it\u2019s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I\u2019ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.<\/p>\n \u201cBut if I\u2019m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.<\/p>\n \u201cHe 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.\u201d <\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n