THE 6 NATIONS 2021 LIVE ON ITV

A star-studded line-up of on-screen talent and key matches feature in ITV’s live coverage of the Guinness 6 Nations Championship 2021, which starts with a double-header including the between and Scotland at .

The channel will show eight matches throughout the six weeks of the tournament, including clashes like England v France on the penultimate weekend, Ireland v France, England v Italy, Italy v and Ireland v England on the final weekend.

This year's tournament marks the latest in a six-year deal between ITV and the BBC that sees 6 Nations matches shared between both broadcasters on television and online

Leading ITV’s team will be presenters and Jill Douglas, joined by and , members of England’s victorious 2003 team, along with their coach Sir , former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll who is joined this year by fellow former Irish skipper , former Wales captain Gareth , former Scotland and Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan, England Women World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi, former England international , Welsh international and former Scotland international Jim Hamilton. Current Italy star Michele Campagnaro and French legend will also feature for the first time.

Martin Bayfield 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, Miles Harrison and Martin Gillingham, plus co-commentators , Gordon D’Arcy, , , Scott Hastings, David Flatman and Danielle Waterman.

Returning this year is the ITV 6 Nations podcast, hosted by David Flatman and . There will be eight episodes, including a preview of the tournament, in which Flats and Shanks will discuss all the main talking points in their own humorous and engaging style.

In the lead-up to the tournament Flats and Shanks will also guide us through the 10 best Six Nations matches on ITV Hub, providing humorous commentary and insight into key moves and scores.

Every match will be simulcast live on the ITV Hub, on web and app, for viewers to watch online, and our responsively designed 6 Nations site – .com/six-nations – will help bring the tournament to life with all the latest news and highlights of all games.

ITV Hub's five-minute round-up of the action The Breakdown returns for every match, with punditry, match highlights and insight. And the ITV Rugby Twitter account will feature in-match clips during each of the channel’s broadcasts.

ITV’s portfolio of world-class rights for 2021 also includes exclusive live terrestrial coverage of racing, the , the , live coverage of the Euro 2021 championship with exclusive coverage of England’s friendlies and World Cup 2022 qualifiers, and shared rights to live coverage of the FA Cup from the 2021-2022 season.

This is an ITV production for ITV

Press enquiries – [email protected] Picture enquiries – [email protected]

ITV 6 NATIONS SCHEDULE

• Sat 6 Feb - Italy v France, ko 14.15, transmission from 13.30-1610 • Sat 6 Feb - England v Scotland, ko 16.45, transmission from 1615-1900 • Sat 13 Feb - England v Italy, ko 14.15, transmission from 1330-1630 • Sun 14 Feb - Ireland v France, ko 15.00, transmission from 1415-1730 • Sat 27 Feb - Italy v Ireland, ko 14.15, transmission from 1330-1630 • Sat 13 Mar - Italy v Wales, ko 14.15, transmission from 1330-1610 • Sat 13 Mar - England v France, ko 16.45, transmission from 1615-1900 • Sat 20 Mar - Ireland v England, ko 16.45, transmission from 1600-1900

PRESS PACK Q&As

MAGGIE ALPHONSI

Who do you think will win the Six Nations and why?

I think it will be between England or France. Both are coming off the back of a good tournament. If I were to choose, England would be my preference just because they have developed a winning mentality. Eddie Jones also has the depth and a squad full of versatile players who are capable of covering all positions, so any injuries or absences can easily be filled. The French will push them close though as they have an exciting young team full of confidence. France also have players in form but they do have some key injury concerns which could impact their chances.

Which players are you looking forward to watching this time?

If they are all given a chance I’ll be looking forward to seeing . An injury replacement for Gregory Alldritt and deserves his spot. He was outstanding in the autumn for France and is sure to repeat his efforts again during the Championship. I am also keen to see the Bristol trio of , and Harry Randall. All have been central to Bristol’s success. Paolo Odogwu is another player who has shone this season domestically and if given a shot could make an impact.

Which matches are you particularly looking forward to, and why?

I’m looking forward to Wales v England because last year in the Championship this game went right down to the wire. I’m also looking forward to England v France. The last time these two met was in the final of the Autumn Nations Cup and that was a thrilling match filled with some controversy.

Do you think the delayed end to the tournament last year will have any influence on how teams approach this tournament?

Yes. I don’t expect to see too many changes in team selections. I expect coaches to want to maintain consistency and build stability rather than try out new players/combinations. A fast start will be crucial just in case the Championship has to stop again or cease completion. Coaches will want to have built a good lead and make sure they’ve put their team in the best possible position.

What impact do you think playing without fans in the stadia has on the players?

Now players have experienced over the last few months what it’s like to play without fans, I would say players are now used to it. They’ve learned to create their own atmosphere.

SHANE WILLIAMS

Who do you think will win the Six Nations and why?

France. I felt they were very unlucky not to win the 2020 championship. Also they have improved the most out of the 6 teams and seem to have structure in the way they played under Galthié and Edwards. Combine that with some very classy individuals they will be a force.

Which players are you looking forward to watching this time?

Dupont is a real class act that oozes X factor but is also a leader. Jonny Williams seems to have earned his place in the centre for Wales and consistently played better for club and country than anyone. I’m hoping he has a big tournament.

Which matches are you particularly looking forward to, and why?

England v Wales is always the talking point for us Welsh and I always look forward to that, but Scotland v Wales for me is a big game. This is a game that Wales will want retribution for after being bullied at Parc Y last year. That really stung the players and management team!

Do you think the delayed end to the tournament last year will have an influence on how teams approach this tournament?

It does change the dynamics slightly as the players went from playing very little rugby for a large period of early 2020 to playing a lot of rugby at the latter end of the year because of Covid, so the mindset will be different as it also feels like we’ve only just finished the last tournament however the players will be prepared and if anything, the disappointment of defeat is still fresh for most and will only inspire them.

What impact do you think playing without fans in the stadia has on the players?

It’s very difficult to say this as this has never happened to me but what I will say is the one of my favourite parts of playing was the crowd! The expectation and excitement when things weren’t going your way or the euphoria of winning and being successful. It massively inspired me and I do feel it affects performance massively! I feel for the players but also for the supporters! This is the greatest rugby tournament in the world for our fans. Especially whilst watching from the stadiums.

GORDON D'ARCY

Who do you think will win the Six Nations and why?

This is a really interesting Six Nations, there is about to be some serious movement in the historic pecking order of the last decade. Ireland and Wales have won six of the 10 championships but their shine has been dulled since RWC '19. Scotland seem to be pulling a half decent team together, and if they could only match their confident chat in the weeks leading up to matches with some consistent performances they might buck their recent trend of battling Italy for the wooden spoon. Rugby is still a game that rewards the 'Big and the Bold', so in a lot of ways it is a straight shootout between England and France. England hosting France in a potentially empty Twickenham, France's ill-discipline seemingly buried with Vahaamahina's red card in the Oita Bank Dome, Japan, and England's heavies playing in the championship, maybe the stars have aligned for France.

Which players are you looking forward to watching this time?

From an Irish perspective there will be a lot of focus on set piece, however even though he is in the mix at scrum and lineout - will be vital for Ireland if they want to navigate the pitfalls of this tournament. He can mix the physical aspect, and crucially knows when and how to pass the ball with great effect. Outside of the green isle, the little general Dupont, and the ingenious Henry Slade will undoubtedly provide some edge of the seat viewing.

Which matches are you particularly looking forward to, and why?

The 6 Nations organisers were working overtime to make sure this would be a memorable championship, the form of teams coupled with the way matches are falling makes this tournament so interesting. Round one with the Calcutta Cup and Ireland in , expect fireworks. Everyone needs a fast start; Ireland and Wales struggling for form and momentum will be crucial. Then England looking to lay down an early marker against a Scottish team constantly full of confidence with a history of upsets against their old foe. The final round of matches, who knows what might have gone before but the form guide says France and England are facing their arch nemeses in spoiling grand slams/championship aspirations - Ireland and Wales.

Do you think the delayed end to the tournament last year will have an influence on how teams approach this tournament?

I think the pragmatic approach by most coaches these days will mean they will prepare for it, possibly using it to focus even more on each match week. Making sure they get wins with matches that are going ahead, not looking at matches in the future with, sadly no guarantee of it being played. Joe Schmidt always used to say 'control the controllables', and that has never been as apt as it is now - play the match at hand and make sure you win.

What impact do you think playing without fans in the stadia has on the players?

Oddly enough I think it makes it harder for the more dominant teams, they are used to scoring early and with strong momentum influencing plays. These are usually reinforced by crowd and double down on the opposition, scoreboard pressure and crowd pressure. The very real pressure that usually exists when a crowd is judging every moment of a match, now absent allows teams to escape the mental weight that normally contributes to a collapse. So it can balance the scales a little bit, remove the home advantage and if managed correctly could facilitate a few upsets.

SIR IAN MCGEECHAN

Who do you think will win the Six Nations and why?

England - They have become very difficult to beat, and crucially have France at Twickenham - it is still an advantage, if less so, to play at home. France their biggest threat – I see them as a very strong second. England have very strong set piece and defence and I would expect to see more variety in their kicking game.

Which players are you looking forward to watching this time?

I would love to see the impact Harry Randall and Paolo Odogwu could have on England approach. Also, has the ability to change games, more than any other 10, with the best kicking variations. Cameron Redpath is emerging as a very talented footballer. has the potential to invigorate England's attacking game, especially from set- piece, a la . Ben Earle is a natural ball carrier and link player who has continued to develop under . ’s dynamic carries are still very important for England. Caelan Doris, in his second season, now has understanding of how to use his talent to raise Ireland's attacking tempo. Others will benefit. Finally is a game changer and important impact player, and Wales need one.

Which matches are you particularly looking forward to, and why?

On the first weekend there are two games to set the tone - England v Scotland and Wales v Ireland. All four teams need to make a statement of intent. Whoever wins will be set up very nicely to make an impact on the tournament. Can Scotland open up England – who are potentially, along with France, the best attacking group? Can the Scottish keep England outside their 22? Wales at home will need a win to build confidence in their game and have a performance to take forward. If Ireland win here then there is England and France to play in , which would be set up very well. Other important games include England v France - France have dictated to England on their last two meetings. England have to respond with a game to suit to control a growing, well organised, disciplined and threatening France. This could be winner-takes-all game. Then, Wales and Ireland at Murrayfield and those two big games in Dublin. My appetite is whetted!!!

Do you think the delayed end to the tournament last year will have an influence on how teams approach this tournament?

The delayed 6 Nations ending plus the Nations Cup should mean more tactical continuity. It will be interesting to see who has learned most and adapted best - that is both coaches and players. It is two months rather than twelve!

What impact do you think playing without fans in the stadia has on the players?

You can't get away from the fact it is a different environment. Home advantage is still there but less significant, as seen in other sports like football. Although players will now be used to it, internal focus/motivation and discipline remain key factors. Wales could feel impact of it most - playing England especially, and also Ireland - in a quiet environment.

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