Six Nations 2026: How to Listen to the Action

For rugby fans, listening to the Men’s Six Nations 2026 on the radio offers a unique experience, providing a sense of being in the stadium even when you can’t be there in person. Radio commentaries are also ideal for staying updated during activities like running or driving, where visual media isn’t practical. Here’s a comprehensive guide to tuning into all the matches, along with options for those travelling outside the UK.

Where Can I Listen to Six Nations Matches This Weekend?

Saturday, February 21

• England v Ireland
  • Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
  • Kick-off: 2.10pm GMT
  • Where to listen: BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport Online
• Wales v Scotland
  • Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
  • Kick-off: 4.40pm GMT
  • Where to listen: BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio Scotland Extra, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport Online

Sunday, February 22

• France v Italy
  • Venue: Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille
  • Kick-off: 3.10pm GMT
  • Where to listen: BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport Online

Where Can I Find Live Commentaries of Men’s Six Nations 2026 Matches?

The BBC provides audio commentaries for every Six Nations match on BBC Radio 5 Live or BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, the BBC Sounds app, and the BBC Sport website. Commentary teams include Chris Jones and Sara Orchard, with punditry from ex-players Chris Ashton, Tommy Bowe, Alex Cuthbert, Matt Dawson, Andy Nicol, Donncha O’Callaghan, and Philippa Tuttiett. Listeners should check listings to determine whether games are on Radio 5 Live or Sports Extra, especially on Saturday afternoons when Premier League football may accept precedence on 5 Live.

Additional options are available for fans in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales through their respective regional BBC stations.

What If I’m Travelling Outside the UK During the Six Nations?

Even as some BBC programming is available internationally via BBC.com, coverage of certain sporting events is restricted. As of July 2025, the BBC Sounds app is no longer accessible outside the UK. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can assist overcome these restrictions by changing your device’s IP address to appear as if you are located in the UK, allowing access to streaming services as if you were at home. VPNs also enhance internet security, particularly when using public Wi-Fi networks.

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Does the BBC Have Any Other Rugby Coverage Through the Six Nations?

Beyond live radio coverage, the BBC offers a range of rugby programming throughout February and March:

• TV:
  • Rugby Special (highlights) – BBC Two and BBC iPlayer (Sunday evenings on match weekends)
  • Scrum V Top 5 – BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer (Mondays from 8.00pm GMT)
  • Scrum V: The Warm Up – BBC Two Wales and BBC iPlayer (throughout the tournament)
• Podcasts:
  • Rugby Union Weekly – BBC Sounds (new episodes daily throughout the Six Nations)
  • Scrum V – BBC Sounds (new episodes throughout the competition)