ITV Announces Wales Legends and Shock New Face for Potential Last Six Nations Broadcast on Terrestrial TV
ITV has revealed its punditry lineup for the 2025 Six Nations, featuring three Wales legends and a surprise addition of former England coach Eddie Jones. The network will share coverage with the BBC, broadcasting matches of England, Ireland, Italy, and France, while the BBC will cover Wales and Scotland’s home games. The coverage will kick off with Wales facing France in Paris on January 31, and include highlights like Ireland versus England and the Calcutta Cup.
Leading the coverage will be presenters Jill Douglas and Mark Pougatch, accompanied by rugby legends Dan Biggar, Jamie Roberts, Brian O’Driscoll, Sergio Parisse, and Johnny Wilkinson. The lineup also includes Eddie Jones, Ugo Monye, Maggie Alphonsi, and more. Commentators Nick Mullins and Miles Harrison will be joined by Shane Williams for co-commentary duties representing Wales.
The 2025 Six Nations could potentially be the last broadcast on terrestrial television, as the current deal expires this year. This raises concerns about matches moving behind a paywall from next year onwards, as Six Nations unions evaluate offers from both free-to-air and subscription TV providers. The Welsh Rugby Union opposes keeping the tournament on free-to-air TV, citing potential negative impacts on rugby in Wales. S4C currently provides free coverage of Welsh fixtures, but a change could see English language coverage move behind a paywall.
There has been opposition to this potential move, with some Welsh MPs pressing for the tournament broadcasting rights to be categorized as ‘Category A,’ ensuring they remain on terrestrial TV. However, the Six Nations currently falls under ‘Category B,’ allowing matches to be shown behind a paywall with highlights provided. The decision on future broadcasting rights remains uncertain at this time.
The inclusion of Eddie Jones in the ITV punditry team adds an intriguing element to this year’s coverage, alongside established rugby personalities. With a lineup of experienced commentators and former players, viewers can expect insightful analysis and engaging discussions throughout the tournament. As the rugby community eagerly anticipates the start of the Six Nations, fans will be treated to a blend of expert opinions and in-depth commentary on the matches.
In a landscape where sports broadcasting is evolving, the future of watching the Six Nations on television hangs in the balance. The 2025 tournament promises to deliver exciting rugby action, paired with the expertise of seasoned pundits and commentators. As ITV and the BBC gear up to bring the games to audiences across the UK, the debate over the tournament’s broadcast platform adds another layer of anticipation to this year’s Six Nations. Stay tuned for what promises to be a compelling and memorable championship for rugby fans everywhere.