How to Watch France v Italy Six Nations 2026: ITV1, BBC Radio 5 Live and Star Pundits Guide

Match date: 22 February 2026

How to Watch France v Italy Six Nations 2026: ITV1, BBC Radio 5 Live and Star Pundits Guide

Today’s blockbuster France v Italy clash in the 2026 Men’s Six Nations promises fireworks at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, with kick-off at 3:10pm GMT. UK rugby fans can catch the action live on ITV1 and ITV HD, plus streaming via ITVX (geo-restricted), STV Player (geo-restricted) and STV Scotland HD, all offering free coverage for British and Irish viewers[1]. For radio enthusiasts, BBC Radio 5 Live provides expert commentary, with additional options on BBC Radio 5 Live (Online), BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, the BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport Online (Audio).

ITV1’s coverage is fronted by the dynamic Jill Douglas, a seasoned Scottish presenter known for her work across rugby and athletics, including BBC’s Commonwealth Games and Six Nations stints. She’ll be joined by a stellar pundit line-up: Welsh fly-half Dan Biggar, who earned 110 caps for Wales and Toulon, bringing his kicking expertise and leadership insights; England’s Maggie Alphonsi, the 74-cap flanker and World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year, now a Sky Sports regular; and Italian legend Sergio Parisse, the Azzurri’s record caps holder with 142 appearances, offering invaluable perspective on facing Les Bleus.

Meanwhile, BBC Radio 5 Live boasts reporter James Burridge on the ground, complemented by co-commentator Paul Grayson, the former England and Northampton Saints fly-half with over 30 international caps. The world feed features Martin Gillingham on main commentary alongside ex-England back Tom May, ensuring global audiences get top-tier analysis.

Another broadcast highlights presenter Jacqui Hurley, Ireland’s trailblazing RTE sports anchor who’s covered multiple Six Nations and Olympics, paired with main commentator Des Curran, a veteran Irish voice. Co-commentator Darren Cave, Ulster’s prolific centre with 50-odd caps, adds Ulster Province nous, while pundits include Bernard Jackman, the ex-Leinster hooker turned BT Sport analyst renowned for his lineout breakdowns, Stephen Ferris, Northern Ireland’s destructive Ulster flanker with 29 Ireland caps and a reputation for bone-crunching tackles, and Fiona Coghlan, Ireland’s 54-cap loosehead prop and Grand Slam winner who transitioned into coaching and media.

France, the reigning champions under Fabien Galthie, host a resurgent Italy side coached by Gonzalo Quesada, fresh off a draw in Lille two years ago[1]. Les Bleus field stars like captain Antoine Dupont at scrum-half and Thomas Ramos at fly-half, facing Italy’s captain Michele Lamaro and flyer Monty Ioane[3][4]. Referee Andrew Brace oversees this Round 3 showdown, with assistants Luke Pearce and Eoghan Cross[2].

Don’t miss Italy’s quest to better their 2024 draw – tune in via ITV or BBC for unmissable rugby from Lille. Whether you’re in Britain, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand, these channels deliver the Six Nations drama Down Under time (2:10am AEDT Monday)[1].

Article generated: 22 February 2026, 15:02 GMT