England squad update: 29 players retained - Page 2 of 2 - Ruck

England squad update: 29 players retained

BBC

Gabby Logan will lead live coverage across TV and BBC iPlayer as the six teams compete for glory. 

Gabby will be joined by a host of former Rugby Union stars including Martin Johnson, Sam Warburton, John Barclay and Tommy Bowe. On BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra, pundits include World Cup winners Matt Dawson, Katy Daley-McLean and Paul Grayson, Lions captain Sam Warburton, Lions stars Tom Shanklin and Denis Hickie, and former Scotland captain John Barclay. The BBC pundits will provide analysis, informed discussion and home nation expertise across TV and radio.  

Andrew Cotter will lead on TV commentary throughout the tournament and will be joined by co-commentators Jonathan Davies and Chris Paterson. For radio, commentary will be led by BBC’s Rugby Union Correspondent Chris Jones and Sara Orchard. 

For TV and BBC iPlayer, refereeing royalty Nigel Owens will provide an official’s perspective at key points during games and Sonja McLaughlan and Lee McKenzie will be pitch side for every game, bringing viewers the latest developments as they happens on and off the field. 

The returning Rugby Special will be hosted by Ugo Monye, with Sara Orchard and Alastair Eykyn’s commentary featuring in the programme and BBC highlights generally.  

One noticeable absentee from The BBC line-up is Brian Moore, who was axed following the 2022 Six Nations.

 With the recent broadcast deal announcement and the BBC getting fewer games, and none of England’s home ones – plus any number of commentators and presenters to accommodate – it’s not easy.

“I can understand it. The BBC has a regional remit. So when they’ve got Scotland and Wales home games people want to hear from a local co-commentator.”

Moore has been the only causality, with Jeremy Guscott also stepping down from his punditry role to “focus on other business interests”.

BBC Television Six Nations Schedule 

DateFixtureLocationCoverage
04 FebWales v IrelandPrincipalityBBC One & iPlayer
11 FebScotland v WalesMurrayfieldBBC One & iPlayer
25 FebWales v EnglandPrincipalityBBC One & iPlayer
12 MarScotland v IrelandMurrayfieldBBC One & iPlayer
18 MarScotland v ItalyMurrayfieldBBC One & iPlayer