Eddie Jones axed as ITV unveil revamped Six Nations pundit line-up

Former England head coach Eddie Jones has been quietly dropped from the broadcaster’s coverage after featuring heavily last year, with Ronan O’Gara drafted in as his replacement in what feels like a clear statement of intent.

Mark Pougatch and Jill Douglas will once again front ITV’s coverage, with the channel broadcasting 10 of the tournament’s 15 matches.

In the studio, viewers can expect plenty of heavyweight insight, with former Wales stars Dan Biggar and Jamie Roberts among the lead analysts, while Shane Williams will provide his usual energy and sharp eye on co-commentary.

Jones, who was the headline addition to last year’s team, failed to convince large sections of the audience. His punditry was widely panned, with the former Wallabies boss regularly accused of sitting on the fence and offering little more than vague platitudes no matter what question came his way. ITV has clearly decided to move on.

Scotland’s Johnnie Beattie and Jim Hamilton are also missing from this year’s roster, with Hamilton instead joining Premier Sports’ new Six Nations coverage.

The arrival of O’Gara, however, is an astute and eye-catching move. The former Ireland fly-half is set to rekindle his popular on-screen partnership with Biggar — a combination that proved a major hit on Sky Sports during last summer’s British and Irish Lions tour.

ITV will kick off its Six Nations coverage with the tournament opener between reigning champions France and Ireland on Thursday 5 February at the Stade de France, and will also show every England match. Only two of Wales’ fixtures — away trips to England and Ireland — will be on ITV, with the BBC retaining the three home games.

The full ITV pundit line-up reads like a who’s who of modern rugby: Jonny Wilkinson, Brian O’Driscoll, Biggar, O’Gara, Roberts, John Barclay, Rory Best, Sergio Parisse, Benjamin Kayser, Ugo Monye, Maggie Alphonsi and Greig Laidlaw.

Nick Mullins and Miles Harrison will lead commentary duties, supported by David Flatman, Ben Kay, Shane Williams, Scott Hastings, Gordon D’Arcy and Nolli Waterman, while Topsy Ojo and Gabriel Clarke complete the on-the-ground reporting team.

Verdict: with O’Gara added and Jones moved on, this is ITV’s strongest Six Nations line-up in years — packed with personality, credibility and, crucially, opinions fans actually want to hear.

Some grounds crackle with passion from first whistle to last, while others struggle to lift. Here, we rank the Six Nations stadiums from worst to best based purely on atmosphere.

Despite being one of the most modern venues in the Six Nations, the Aviva Stadium often struggles to generate a consistent atmosphere. Over the past decade, this issue has become increasingly noticeable, largely due to the growing number of corporate tickets. As a result, the once-passionate partisan edge has softened, with noise coming from isolated pockets rather than the stadium as a whole.

Iconic chants such as Fields of Athenry are now rarely sustained, and the all-seater design has removed the raw energy once provided by terraces. Ireland’s recent success, built on an efficient and pragmatic playing style, may also play a role — effective, but not always electrifying. Combined with a shift towards a more family-oriented crowd, the Aviva’s atmosphere often feels subdued compared to its Six Nations counterparts.

Originally built for athletics and football, the Stadio Olimpico was never designed with rugby in mind. Since Italy’s inclusion in the Six Nations in 2000, however, it has served as the Azzurri’s home, offering a unique setting beneath Rome’s iconic skyline.

Italian fans are loyal and passionate, but frequent defeats mean they often have limited moments to fully unleash their support. This lack of sustained success keeps the atmosphere from reaching higher levels. That said, the backing is unquestionably partisan, and with signs of improvement in the Italian squad, the volume may well increase in the years to come.

Twickenham, the self-proclaimed “Home of Rugby,” is steeped in history and tradition. As the largest dedicated rugby stadium in the world, it has hosted countless iconic moments and remains a cathedral of the sport.

However, atmosphere-wise, it can be inconsistent. While the crowd is capable of lifting the roof — particularly during renditions of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot — long stretches of games can feel surprisingly flat. High ticket prices and a more reserved crowd culture often dampen the overall intensity, leaving Twickenham just short of the very best in this ranking.

The Stade de France is an imposing arena, both in size and reputation. Built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, it is the largest stadium in the Six Nations and can be a daunting place to visit when France are firing.

That said, its sheer scale can sometimes work against it. Noise doesn’t always travel as well, and while the atmosphere can be hostile for away supporters, it often lacks the constant ferocity seen at French club grounds. When the crowd is fully engaged and Les Bleus are in full flow, the stadium can rival any in world rugby — but that level isn’t always sustained.

Few moments in rugby rival the emotion of Flower of Scotland at Murrayfield, particularly when the bagpipes fall silent and the crowd carries the anthem a cappella. It’s a spine-tingling experience that sets the tone long before kick-off.

The stadium has a welcoming, good-natured feel, with visiting fans embraced and banter flowing freely — a key ingredient in building atmosphere. Murrayfield’s design amplifies sound, ensuring every big hit, kick, and turnover is met with a roar. Despite modern upgrades, it has retained its soul, delivering an old-school, fiercely passionate rugby environment.

Even during challenging periods on the pitch, Welsh support remains unmatched. The Principality Stadium, particularly with the roof closed, becomes a deafening cauldron of noise, driven by mass singing and an overwhelming sense of unity.

Legends of the game such as Dan Carter and Paul O’Connell have praised its intensity, often describing it as one of the most intimidating and authentic venues in world rugby. With fans right on top of the action and a nation where rugby is woven into the cultural fabric, the atmosphere is immersive from start to finish.

Add in a national anthem that rivals any in the championship, and it’s clear why the Principality Stadium stands alone at the top — a world-class venue powered by world-class support.