Six Nations 2026: How & Where to Listen on Radio & BBC Sounds

For rugby fans who can’t make it to the stadium or tune in on television, the radio offers a compelling alternative to follow the Men’s Six Nations 2026. The immersive experience provided by skilled commentators and summarizers can transport listeners to the heart of the action, while also offering a convenient way to stay updated during commutes or other activities where visual media isn’t practical.

The BBC holds the broadcasting rights for audio commentaries of every match in this year’s Six Nations, delivering coverage through BBC Radio 5 Live, various regional stations, the BBC Sounds app, and the BBC Sport Online website. This comprehensive access ensures fans across the UK can follow every moment of the championship.

This Weekend’s Six Nations Radio Schedule

The upcoming weekend features a trio of highly anticipated matches. On Saturday, February 21st, England will face Ireland at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with kickoff at 2:10 PM GMT. Listeners can tune in via BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Sounds, and BBC Sport Online. Later that day, Wales will host Scotland at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, kicking off at 4:40 PM GMT. Coverage will be available on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio Scotland Extra, BBC Sounds, and BBC Sport Online.

The action continues on Sunday, February 22nd, with France taking on Italy at Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille at 3:10 PM GMT. Fans can listen live on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Sounds, and BBC Sport Online.

Where to Find Live Six Nations Commentaries

The BBC provides extensive audio coverage throughout the Six Nations championship, with every game broadcast on either BBC Radio 5 Live or BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, accessible through the BBC Sounds app and the BBC Sport website. Chris Jones and Sara Orchard lead the commentary team, supported by a panel of expert analysts including Chris Ashton, Tommy Bowe, Alex Cuthbert, Matt Dawson, Andy Nicol, Donncha O’Callaghan, and Philippa Tuttiett.

Radio listeners should check listings to determine whether a particular match will be broadcast on Radio 5 Live or Sports Extra, especially on Saturday afternoons when Premier League football often takes precedence on the flagship station.

Dedicated coverage is also available for fans in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales through their respective regional BBC stations.

Staying Connected While Traveling

For fans traveling outside the UK during the Six Nations, accessing BBC coverage can present challenges. While some BBC programming is available internationally through BBC.com, restrictions apply to certain sporting events. The BBC Sounds app is no longer accessible to listeners outside the UK as of July 2025, though UK-based visitors can typically continue listening for approximately one month per trip.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can provide a solution. By changing a device’s IP address, a VPN allows users to access streaming services as if they were located back home, enabling uninterrupted listening while abroad. A VPN also enhances online security, particularly when using public Wi-Fi networks.

TechRadar currently recommends NordVPN as a leading VPN service.

Beyond Live Commentary: Additional BBC Rugby Coverage

The BBC’s Six Nations coverage extends beyond live match commentaries. Fans can also enjoy exclusive TV coverage of five Men’s Six Nations matches on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, along with several highlight and analysis programs.

On 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 8:00 PM 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)