ITV announces 2024 Six Nations live line-up
Mark Pougatch and Jill Douglas lead a star-studded line-up of on-screen talent for ten live clashes in ITV’s coverage of the Guinness 6 Nations Championship 2024.
Following on from the Rugby World Cup which was exclusively screened on ITV1 and ITVX in the Autumn, the channel will show ten live matches throughout the six weeks of the Six Nations.
They include mouth-watering clashes like the opener France v Ireland on February 2 in Marseille, England v Wales on February 10, England v Ireland on March 9, and a final weekend featuring Ireland v Scotland from Dublin and then France v England in Lyon, on March 16.
This year's tournament marks the latest in a deal between ITV and the BBC that sees Six Nations matches shared between both broadcasters on television and online with ITV's matches aired on ITV1, ITVX, STV, STV Player, and UTV.
Mark and Jill will be joined by England World Cup winners Jonny Wilkinson, Lawrence Dallaglio, and Maggie Alphonsi, former England back Ugo Monye, former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll, fellow former Irish skipper Rory Best, Welsh legends Jamie Roberts and Dan Biggar, former Scotland and Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan, former Scottish international Johnnie Beattie, Italy great Sergio Parisse, and former French forward Benjamin Kayser.
Topsy Ojo will combine presenting duties with his role as reporter, alongside reporter Gabriel Clarke. Joining them with a wealth of experience in the commentary box will be Nick Mullins and Miles Harrison, plus co-commentators Shane Williams, Gordon D’Arcy, Ben Kay, Scott Hastings, David Flatman and Danielle Waterman.
Each match will be simulcast live on ITVX along with short highlights of every match from the tournament, while ITV Rugby's social media accounts (via X, Facebook and instagram) will also help bring the tournament to life with near-live clips and interviews.
ITV SIX NATIONS SCHEDULE
2nd February - France v Ireland
3rd February - Italy v England
10th February - England v Wales
11th Feb - Ireland v Italy
24th February - Ireland v Wales
25th February - France v Italy
9th March - Italy v Scotland
9th March - England v Ireland
16th March - Ireland v Scotland
16th March - France v England
MAGGIE ALPHONSI
Who do you think will win the Six Nations and why?
It’s a hard one to call. Post a Rugby World Cup there are always a lot of squad changes and this year is no different. Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has retired, England captain Owen Farrell has taken a step back from international rugby and Antoine Dupont, one of the world's best players, is chasing his Olympic dream to compete in Sevens. Including a shock surprise that the Welsh sensation Louis Rees-Zammit has transitioned to NFL. New faces will be blooded through in each team, with a focus on the future and improving squad depth. It means the Championship will be open and slightly unpredictable.
I believe it will be between France or Ireland. Despite the loss of the big names, both teams will still be hurting from their quarter-finals RWC exits. Both have new leaders at helm. France are my favourites to win though. They have named 2023 European Professional Cup Rugby (EPCR) Player of the Year Gregory Alldritt as captain and despite having no Dupont, they still have the impressive Maxime Lucu ready and waiting to fill the No9 jersey. Can’t count out England too, who will remain a constant threat having finished third at the RWC.
Which players are you looking forward to watching?
Marcus Smith - with Owen Farrell taking a step back from international rugby I think we will see Smith take the No10 jersey and really flourish. He has been in great form for Harlequins since his return from the RWC at fly half, having accumulated a few Player of the Match performances and was outstanding against Sale in Round 8 of the Gallagher Premiership versus George Ford. Also, I'm keen to see England’s Ben Earl kick on after his outstanding RWC performances.
Who are the dark horses?
Scotland, they look consistent and have had the least amount of changes following the RWC. They have some new caps and some key injured players returning back to full fitness in time for the Championship, such as Adam Hastings who will be pivotal.
Which matches are you particularly looking forward to, and why?
It’s got to be France v Ireland in round one. Even though it is the first game of the 6 Nations, it could be a potential Championship decider. Two of the top teams in Europe going toe to toe. Can’t wait. Also, excited to see France v England too. It’s a game that never disappoints, especially in France.
BRIAN O'DRISCOLL
Who do you think will win the Six Nations and why?
I think France will win this year’s 6 Nations. Their club teams have been largely impressive across European competition and they have unfinished business in righting the wrongs of an early exit from the RWC.
Which players are you looking forward to watching?
Tommy Freeman has been in scintillating form for Northampton Saints so can he convert that into the white of England? And where will that be, on the wing or in the centre…
Who are the dark horses?
Scotland have the most to prove after a RWC group stage exit with arguably their most talented group of players for many years. Having France and England at home after an opening away win to Wales would put them in a strong position. The first game up is always so vital towards building momentum.
Which matches are you particularly looking forward to, and why?
France v Ireland on the opening weekend in Marseille is a tasty fixture. Both sides losing key men to retirement (Sexton) and France 7’s (DuPont) makes it extra interesting as to who can fill their void. Win that and there’s a title up for grabs, lose and you’re up against the ropes immediately.
SHANE WILLIAMS
Who do you think will win the Six Nations and why?
I think the 6 Nations unfortunately may be decided at Round 1 where France host Ireland! Both these teams were very unlucky not to make the World Cup finals. Both teams are equally brilliant but I believe France will have the upper hand purely because they are playing at home. The Top 14 is also looking very strong this season.
Which players are you looking forward to watching?
Antoine Dupont is always the player to watch but as a former winger I’m excited about players like Darcy Graham, who I hope get plenty of ball in open play. But the winger that has been incredible the last 18 months has been Damian Penaud. I am also hoping Henry Arundell is involved and used by the England selectors.
Who are the dark horses?
It feels so strange to say this but England will be dark horses. I’m sure the favourites in many people's eyes will be Ireland and France but after their success at the World Cup and after being written off early in the tournament, England will be confident. The players Steve Borthwick has access to is frightening. It’s just about getting the combinations and strategies right.
Which matches are you particularly looking forward to, and why?
France v Ireland is a cracker to kick it all off!! I’ve really enjoyed Top 14 rugby and watching French teams in Europe this season. I only hope this is the style of rugby France are going to bring to the competition this year. However I am fortunate enough to be at Twickenham for England v Wales which always is THE game in many Welsh supporters' eyes!
SIR IAN MCGEECHAN
Who do you think will win the Six Nations and why?
I think France will win as they have the advantage of playing Ireland at home, although not in Paris, and Ireland will be without Sexton. As shown in the World Cup, France and Ireland are playing at a different level and it will be interesting to see whether the other countries can close the gap.
Which players are you looking forward to watching?
What I am looking forward to most is seeing the different unit performances rather than a single player - the French Backs, the Irish Back Row and the impact of the 10s with England, Ireland and Wales playing with new combinations. Finn Russell could have a significant contribution towards Scotland's key performances. Also the make-up of the England midfield, it would be nice to see Lawrence, Slade and Freeman having the opportunity to combine and define England's attacking strategy.
Who are the dark horses?
Dark horses could be any one of England, Scotland and Wales providing they come up with wins against Ireland and France. If Scotland can win in Cardiff they are set up for two defining games at Murrayfield against France and England. England could well go into Round Three with two wins under their belts and confidence building. Interestingly it is France, Ireland and Wales with the three home games this year. You cannot get away from the fact that a first round win remains such an important requisite.
Which matches are you particularly looking forward to, and why?
You cannot look further than the blockbuster game in Marseille in Round One, which raises the question, should the top two teams from the previous year play each other on the last weekend? I would favour that. With first wins so important, Wales v Scotland is intriguing and leads into second round games that could be defining with Wales at Twickenham and France at Murrayfield. Once again, England finish with games against Ireland and France. Plenty to keep the excitement flowing.
SERGIO PARISSE
Who do you think will win the Six Nations and why?
Ireland will win! Three home games and a kind of revenge after their last World Cup.
Which players are you looking forward to watching?
I'm looking forward to see Italian back row Izekor at international level
Who are the dark horses?
Scotland - they didn't qualify for the quarter-finals in the last World Cup because Ireland and the world champions were in the same pool - but they showed great rugby and they can beat any team in the tournament.
Which matches are you particularly looking forward to, and why?
I'm particularly looking forward to France vs Ireland in Paris, as it is the first game of the tournament. The winner will be the favourite to win the Six Nations.
BENJAMIN KAYSER
Who do you think will win the Six Nations and why?
France - with three home games, all marking history being away from Paris. With the pain from the last RWC, it will fuel us, big time. Even without Antoine Dupont, we'll see new talent.
Which players are you looking forward to watching?
Emmanuel Meafou is so, so powerful. He's an animal. Also Nolan le Garrec maybe, to replace Antoine Dupont, he is electric and so skillful, very brave.
Who are the dark horses?
England will deliver more than they have for years. They'll feed off the last RWC and current English club form.
Which matches are you particularly looking forward to, and why?
The France v Ireland opener, 100 percent. In Marseille, the top one and two in the world, who both are angry about getting knocked out of the last RWC. It could have, should have been the RWC 2023 World Cup final. It's huge. Also, France v England in Lyon, last game and potentially the decider? Always good. Also Scotland v England, after last year's Scottish win at Twickenham, will be mega.