Listen to Super Saturday Six Nations Action on BBC Radio 5 Live with Sonja McLaughlan, Chris Ashton and Johnnie Beattie

The climax of the 2026 Six Nations arrives on Saturday 14 March with Super Saturday, and BBC Radio 5 Live offers comprehensive radio coverage starting at 20:00 UK time. Tune in via BBC Radio 5 Live or the BBC Sounds app to hear Sonja McLaughlan present alongside pundits Chris Ashton and Johnnie Beattie as Ireland host Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (14:10 kick-off), Wales face Italy at Principality Stadium in Cardiff (16:40), and France take on England at Stade de France in Paris (20:10).

As the premier British public service broadcaster, BBC has long been a cornerstone of Six Nations coverage, sharing TV rights with ITV this year—ITV airing Ireland vs Scotland and France vs England, while BBC handles Wales vs Italy on television. For radio enthusiasts across the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, BBC Radio 5 Live provides uninterrupted expert analysis, perfect for those on the move or preferring audio immersion during this high-stakes finale. With the championship reaching fever pitch after a thrilling tournament—featuring Scotland's stunning 50-40 win over France and Italy's upset 23-18 victory against England—every match carries title implications, including a potential Triple Crown for Ireland.

Leading the broadcast is Sonja McLaughlan, a seasoned journalist whose career spans decades in sports media. McLaughlan has been a familiar voice on BBC Radio 5 Live for rugby, football and more, previously working with Sky Sports and presenting for BBC during major events like the Rugby World Cup. Her poised style and deep knowledge make her ideal for guiding listeners through the drama of Super Saturday.

Joining her is Chris Ashton, the former England and British & Irish Lions wing whose try-scoring prowess lit up the Six Nations. Ashton earned 39 caps for England, starring in the 2011 World Cup and amassing over 200 points for Northampton, Worcester and Leicester. Retiring in 2017, he transitioned seamlessly into punditry, offering incisive breakdowns on BBC and other platforms. His insider perspective on wing play and attack strategies will be invaluable as Scotland chase Ireland and England eye a dramatic finale against champions France.

Johnnie Beattie brings Scottish fire to the panel, a powerhouse No.8 who won 9 caps for Scotland and dazzled in the Pro14 with Glasgow Warriors. Son of former international John Beattie, he also played for Montpellier and later became a journalist and podcaster. Beattie's post-retirement career includes commentary stints and writing for outlets like The Herald, blending on-field experience with sharp wit—perfect for dissecting the Ireland-Scotland clash that could decide the Triple Crown.

This Super Saturday caps a condensed Six Nations schedule, launched on 5 February with France's 36-14 rout of Ireland and featuring innovative midweek kick-offs like Friday's Ireland 27-17 win over Wales. England sit poised after mixed results—a 48-7 thrashing of Wales early on but losses to Scotland (31-20) and Ireland (21-42), plus Italy (23-18). Scotland's form, including that Murrayfield thriller against France, positions them as contenders, while Wales seek solace against Italy after heavy defeats.

For fans in Australia and New Zealand, where rugby passion runs deep, the 20:00 UK start aligns with early Sunday morning—ideal for live listening via BBC Sounds. Ireland need victory over Scotland to stay in title contention and snag the Triple Crown, Wales aim to end positively versus improving Italy, and Le Crunch in Paris could see France defend their crown if they overcome England.

Don't miss this radio feast—BBC Radio 5 Live's team delivers the atmosphere, stats and stories like no other. For more on the tournament's heritage, visit the Six Nations Championship Wikipedia page. Grab your headphones and join McLaughlan, Ashton and Beattie for an unforgettable Super Saturday.

Article generated: 12 March 2026, 20:02 GMT