ITV has implemented a notable shake-up to its Six Nations coverage team, with three prominent pundits not being retained for next month's edition of the prestigious rugby union tournament. The broadcaster has decided against bringing back former England head coach Eddie Jones, alongside ex-Scotland internationals Johnnie Beattie and Jim Hamilton, despite maintaining a substantial roster of twelve analysts for the competition.
Surprising Omissions from the Punditry Desk
The most surprising omission is undoubtedly Eddie Jones, the 65-year-old Australian who has coached Japan since 2024. Jones proved to be a standout addition to last year's tournament coverage, which saw France emerge as champions, offering unique tactical insights drawn from his extensive international coaching experience. His absence will be particularly felt by viewers who valued his analytical depth and forthright opinions during match analysis segments.
Johnnie Beattie and Jim Hamilton, both former Scotland internationals with considerable playing experience and previous broadcasting roles, also won't be returning to the ITV punditry team. This represents a significant reduction in Scottish representation among the analysts, though the broadcaster continues to feature a diverse range of voices from across the participating nations.
Established Presentation Team Returns
Mark Pougatch and Jill Douglas will once again lead the presentation team, bringing their established chemistry and professional approach to the tournament coverage. They will be supported by what ITV describes as a "star-studded" line-up of pundits that includes some of rugby's most respected former players.
The confirmed punditry team features:
- Jonny Wilkinson (England)
- Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
- Dan Biggar (Wales)
- Ronan O'Gara (Ireland)
- Jamie Roberts (Wales)
- John Barclay (Scotland)
- Rory Best (Ireland)
- Sergio Parisse (Italy)
- Benjamin Kayser (France)
- Ugo Monye (England)
- Maggie Alphonsi (England)
- Greig Laidlaw (Scotland)
Commentary Team Structure
Nick Mullins and Miles Harrison will provide main commentary from the box, with a team of co-commentators adding their expertise throughout the tournament. The co-commentary team includes David Flatman, Ben Kay, Shane Williams, Scott Hastings, Gordon D'Arcy and Nolli Waterman, ensuring comprehensive technical analysis across all matches.
Tournament Context and England's Prospects
The reigning champions France will kick off the tournament on February 5 against Ireland, who are the most recent winners of the Triple Crown. England's opening match sees them take on Wales at Twickenham Stadium on the same date, with head coach Steve Borthwick hopeful his team can secure their first Six Nations title in seven years.
England enter the competition in strong form with eleven consecutive victories, creating significant anticipation around their campaign. Borthwick, who announced his squad last Friday, has highlighted the importance of their crucial match against France scheduled for March 14 in Paris.
"People can see the potential that's in this group," Borthwick told Rugby Union Weekly. "They can see the direction this team is going on, the way it is tracking. Two weeks ago we met as a team and I spoke to them about how the last seven Six Nations Championships have been decided on the last round of fixtures. I think it's 17 of the last 20."
"On 14 March we're playing against a brilliant France team in Paris. We want to be in a position in that game to get what we all want to achieve. We want English fans flooding across the channel to get there and watch that game. The only way you get to that point is taking care of every step along the journey."
The tournament promises compelling narratives both on and off the pitch, with ITV's coverage changes adding an additional layer of interest for viewers following the analysis and commentary throughout the championship.
