Eddie Jones gets surprise Six Nations role

Eddie Jones will make a return to the Guinness Men’s Six Nations for the first time since he was sacked by England in 2022 – but as a TV pundit.

ITV Sport’s punditry team will include the controversial Australian, with the 64-year-old thought to be on board for two of the four England matches shown by the terrestrial broadcaster.

Jones’ presence gives extra clout to ITV’s coverage and compensates for losing his old sparring partner, Sir Clive Woodward, who stepped away from his punditry role before the start of last year’s championship.

England won three Six Nations titles under Jones and he is currently in his second spell in charge of Japan.

ITV will broadcast 10 of the 15 matches, including the opener between France and Wales on Friday, 31st January, at Stade de France. Coverage continues the following day with Ireland v England.

The final weekend will also feature two live ITV fixtures on 15th March, Italy v Ireland and France v Scotland.

Jonny Wilkinson, Ugo Monye, Maggie Alphonsi, Brian O’Driscoll, Rory Best, Dan Biggar, Jamie Roberts, Johnnie Beattie, Jim Hamilton, Benjamin Kayser and Sergio Parisse are also back to impart their wisdom.

Joining them in the commentary box will be Nick Mullins and Miles Harrison, with co-commentators Ben Kay, Shane Williams, David Flatman, Nolli Waterman, Scott Hastings and Gordon D’Arcy, while Jill Douglas and Mark Pougatch lead the coverage as the two presenters. The reporters will be highly-esteemed broadcaster Gabriel Clarke and former England wing Topsy Ojo.

ITV SIX NATIONS SCHEDULE

Friday 31st January – France v Wales
Saturday 1st February – Ireland v England
Saturday 8th February – Italy v Wales
Saturday 8th February – England v France
Saturday 22nd February – England v Scotland
Sunday 23rd February – Italy v France
Saturday 8th March – Ireland v France
Sunday 9th March – England v Italy
Saturday 15th March – Italy v Ireland
Saturday 15th March – France v Scotland