BBC announce new Six Nations pundits as Jiffy returns after doubt

The BBC have confirmed their lineup of presenters, pundits and commentators for the 2026 Six Nations, with Gabby Logan once again leading the broadcaster's coverage of the tournament.

After signing a new four-year deal for the free-to-air rights with ITV last year, five matches will be shown live on BBC One and iPlayer over the course of the championship, starting with Scotland's away trip to Italy on the opening weekend. Joining Logan will be a host of familiar faces from across the rugby world, with the corporation sticking with largely the same lineup of pundits as last year.

Former Wales and British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton and World Cup-winning England skipper Martin Johnson will be among the big names providing their expert analysis, with former Scotland star John Barclay also on board for another tournament.

Welsh legend Jonathan 'Jiffy' Davies will also return as part of the BBC team, having admitted last year that he could have worked on his last Six Nations match for the corporation amid uncertainty over the broadcast rights.

Scotland icon Chris Paterson and former Italy captain Sergio Parisse will also be involved as pundits, while there is a new signing in the shape of ex-England scrum-half Danny Care.

The 39-year-old, who retired from playing last year, has featured as a pundit and commentator for TNT Sports since hanging up his boots but has now joined the BBC team for the first time.

Ireland legend Ronan O'Gara and former France star Benjamin Kayser have also been included in the BBC's list of pundits for the upcoming tournament, having already been named as part of the ITV lineup earlier this week.

As in previous years, legendary Welsh referee Nigel Owens will also be part of the broadcaster's coverage, giving his expert opinion on the big officiating decisions.

Andrew Cotter will provide the TV commentary, while Sara Orchard, Al Eykyn and Gareth Rhys Owen will lend their voices to the BBC's highlights packages.

With Logan fronting the live matches, former England and Lions wing Ugo Monye will again present spin-off show Six Nations Rugby Special on Sunday evenings.

Wales internationals Alex Cuthbert and Philippa Tuttiett will be on co-commentary duties for coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and BBC Sounds, with Matt Dawson, Chris Ashton, Tommy Bowe, Donncha O’Callaghan, Johnnie Beattie and Andy Nicol also on hand to summarise the action.

A statement from the BBC Press Office read: "The BBC will bring viewers live TV coverage of the men's Six Nations, plus extended highlights and analysis every Sunday night on Six Nations Rugby Special.

"Coverage begins with Italy v Scotland at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday 7 February on BBC One and iPlayer. Gabby Logan will lead the BBC’s TV coverage while Ugo Monye will present the Six Nations Rugby Special.

"The punditry line-up will include former British Lions captain Sam Warburton, England’s World Cup winning captain Martin Johnson and former Scotland captain John Barclay. Chris Paterson, Jonathan Davies, Danny Care, Ronan O’Gara, Sergio Parisse; Ben Kayser and Nigel Owens will also offer their expert analysis.

"TV commentary will be provided by Andrew Cotter. Sara Orchard, Al Eykyn and Gareth Rhys Owen will provide commentary for the highlights," the statement continued.

"Over on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and BBC Sounds rugby fans can enjoy every single game live throughout the tournament.

"Providing commentary for the thrilling clashes will be Chris Jones and Sara Orchard. Matt Dawson, Chris Ashton, Alex Cuthbert, Philippa Tuttiett, Tommy Bowe, Donncha O’Callaghan, Johnnie Beattie and Andy Nicol will also be on hand to summarise.

"The Rugby Union Weekly podcast returns and will be available daily, ensuring listeners are up to date with every twist and turn of the tournament. "