Six Nations 2026: How to Watch Every Match and What to Expect

Six Nations 2026: The Complete Viewing Guide

The 2026 Six Nations Championship runs from 5 February to 14 March, with all 15 matches broadcast free-to-air across BBC and ITV. Whether you are following England's campaign, tracking Ireland's bid for a third consecutive title, or watching Scotland build under Gregor Townsend, here is everything you need to know about watching every match. You can also check our rugby fixtures page for today's live match listings and TV channels.

UK TV Coverage: BBC and ITV

The Six Nations remains one of the few major sporting events broadcast entirely free-to-air in the UK. Coverage is split between BBC and ITV, with both channels also streaming matches live on BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

The split follows a consistent pattern: ITV broadcasts all of England's matches and all Ireland and France home games. BBC covers all Scotland and Wales home games.

Broadcaster	Coverage	Streaming
ITV	10 matches including all England games	ITVX (free, live and on demand)
BBC	5 matches (Scotland and Wales home games)	BBC iPlayer (free, live and on demand)

Full Fixture List With TV Channels

Round 1 (5 to 7 February)

Match	Date	Kick-off	Channel
France v Ireland	Thursday 5 February	7:20pm	ITV1
Italy v Scotland	Saturday 7 February	1:00pm	BBC One
England v Wales	Saturday 7 February	3:45pm	ITV1

The tournament opens on a Thursday for the first time in Six Nations history, with France hosting Ireland at the Stade de France. This is a deliberate move by organisers to extend the viewing window and boost television audiences across multiple days.

Round 2 (14 to 15 February)

Match	Date	Kick-off	Channel
Ireland v Italy	Saturday 14 February	2:10pm	ITV1
Scotland v England	Saturday 14 February	4:40pm	ITV1
Wales v France	Sunday 15 February	3:10pm	BBC One

The Calcutta Cup clash between Scotland and England at Murrayfield is always one of the highlights of the championship. The late Saturday slot gives it the attention it deserves.

Round 3 (21 to 22 February)

Match	Date	Kick-off	Channel
England v Ireland	Saturday 21 February	2:10pm	ITV1
Wales v Scotland	Saturday 21 February	4:40pm	BBC One
France v Italy	Sunday 22 February	3:10pm	ITV1

England against Ireland at Twickenham is often the match that decides the championship. With Ireland chasing a historic third consecutive title, this fixture carries enormous significance.

Round 4 (6 to 7 March)

Match	Date	Kick-off	Channel
Ireland v Wales	Friday 6 March	8:10pm	ITV1
Scotland v France	Saturday 7 March	2:10pm	BBC One
Italy v England	Saturday 7 March	4:40pm	ITV1

Round 5: Super Saturday (14 March)

Match	Date	Kick-off	Channel
Ireland v Scotland	Saturday 14 March	2:10pm	ITV1
Wales v Italy	Saturday 14 March	4:40pm	BBC One
France v England	Saturday 14 March	8:10pm	ITV1

Super Saturday brings all three final-round matches on the same day, and the championship can often come down to points difference in the last fixture. France against England under the lights in Paris is the perfect way to close the tournament. Check our rugby fixtures page on the day for full TV listings.

Watching From Outside the UK

The Six Nations is broadcast internationally across a range of networks:

Region	Broadcaster
Ireland	Virgin Media / RTE
France	France 2 / France 3
Italy	Sky Italia
United States	Peacock
Australia	Stan Sport
New Zealand	Sky Sport NZ
South Africa	SuperSport
Japan	JSPORTS

What to Expect in 2026

Ireland: Chasing History

Ireland are the defending champions and are aiming for a third consecutive title, a feat that would cement this generation as one of the greatest in Six Nations history. Andy Farrell's squad has the depth and experience to do it, but every team will be targeting them.

France: Home Advantage

France open at home against Ireland and close at home against England. Those bookend fixtures could define their tournament. With a squad packed with talent from the Top 14, France are always contenders and will fancy their chances in Paris.

England: Rebuilding Momentum

England's campaign hinges on consistency. The talent is there across the squad, and home matches against Wales and Ireland at Twickenham give them opportunities to build momentum early. The Calcutta Cup away at Murrayfield in Round 2 will be a key test.

Scotland: The Murrayfield Factor

Scotland are a formidable force at home, where the Murrayfield atmosphere can unsettle any visiting team. Their challenge remains turning strong home performances into consistent results on the road.

Wales: A Transitional Period

Wales face a challenging campaign with away fixtures in England and Ireland in the first three rounds. Home matches against France and Scotland will be crucial for building confidence and results.

Italy: The Growing Threat

Italy are no longer automatic defeats. Their recent performances have shown genuine competitiveness, and any team that underestimates them risks an upset. The home match against England in Round 4 could be a highlight of their campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Six Nations free to watch in the UK?

Yes. Every match is broadcast free-to-air on either BBC or ITV. You can watch on television or stream live and on demand through BBC iPlayer and ITVX. No subscription is required. For other rugby competitions, see our Rugby World Cup viewing guide.

Why are some matches on BBC and others on ITV?

The Six Nations broadcasting rights are shared between BBC and ITV under a long-standing arrangement. As a general rule, ITV shows all England matches plus Ireland and France home games (10 matches total), while BBC shows Scotland and Wales home games (5 matches). This split ensures all matches remain free-to-air while dividing the commercial and licence-fee funded coverage.

Can I watch the Six Nations on my phone?

Yes. BBC iPlayer and ITVX both have mobile apps for iOS and Android. You can stream every match live on your phone, tablet, or laptop as long as you have an internet connection. BBC iPlayer requires a TV licence; ITVX is free with ads or ad-free with a premium subscription.

What time do Six Nations matches kick off?

Kick-off times are staggered across each match day. Saturday fixtures typically start at 2:10pm and 4:40pm, with occasional evening slots at 8:10pm. Sunday matches kick off at 3:10pm. The Round 1 opener is on a Thursday at 7:20pm, a first for the championship.

When is Super Saturday?

Super Saturday is 14 March 2026, the final day of the championship. All three Round 5 matches are played on the same day, starting at 2:10pm and finishing with France against England at 8:10pm. The title can often be decided on points difference during Super Saturday, making it one of the most exciting days in the rugby calendar.