Six legendary players scrapped as pundits by BBC, younger talent hired

With the broadcaster confirming it will not show England games during the 2026 Six Nations, speculation is mounting over more of their pundits.

Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone.;

Here’s the rundown of who’s gone — and who might be next.

A former Scotland captain and scrum-half, Andy Nicol earned 37 caps for Scotland between 1993 and 2002. Nicol was part of Scotland’s Grand Slam-winning squad in 1999 and captained the national side on numerous occasions.

Known for his tactical acumen and leadership, Nicol became a respected voice in rugby punditry following his retirement. In 2023, after two decades with the BBC, he announced that Scotland’s clash with Wales would be his final broadcast, ending a long and respected tenure in rugby commentary.

Brian Moore, an iconic figure in English rugby, was capped 64 times for England between 1987 and 1999 and played in two Rugby World Cups. Known for his combative style as a hooker and outspoken punditry, Moore brought sharp insight and personality to BBC coverage.

He departed from men’s Six Nations coverage in 2022 but continues to work on the Women’s Six Nations and recently the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, underlining his longstanding commitment to developing rugby at all levels.

Jeremy Guscott was a centre for England and the British & Irish Lions, earning 55 England caps between 1989 and 1997 and three Lions tours. Renowned for his elegance on the pitch and deep tactical knowledge, Guscott became a fixture in rugby broadcasting after retiring.

After more than 20 years with BBC Sport, he stepped away to focus on business interests, marking the end of a significant chapter for the broadcaster’s Six Nations coverage.

John Inverdale is one of Britain’s most recognisable sports presenters, with decades of experience covering rugby, tennis, and the Olympics. He was the BBC’s anchor for Six Nations coverage for many years and became a familiar voice in living rooms across the UK.

Inverdale retired from the BBC’s reduced Six Nations production in recent years, leaving a gap in the presenting line-up as the broadcaster shifted to a single game per weekend.

A towering figure in English rugby, Martin Johnson captained England to Rugby World Cup glory in 2003 and earned 84 caps for his country between 1993 and 2005. Known for his uncompromising leadership, Johnson transitioned to punditry with the BBC after retiring.

With England matches moving to ITV from 2026, his future is uncertain. While he has not publicly confirmed a departure, speculation is mounting that Johnson’s pundit role may end alongside the rights shake-up.

Jonathan Davies, a Welsh rugby legend, enjoyed an illustrious career in both rugby union and rugby league. He earned 46 caps for Wales and toured twice with the British & Irish Lions, known for his speed, vision, and rugby intelligence.

Davies has been a fixture in BBC rugby commentary for decades, admired for his insight and enthusiasm. In recent interviews, he has hinted that the 2025 Six Nations could be his last for the broadcaster, signalling the possible end of another era.

The BBC has already lost four major voices in recent years — and with the rights shake-up for England matches, two more could soon follow. Gabby Logan will still lead coverage in 2026, with pundits including Sam Warburton, John Barclay, Chris Paterson, and possibly Johnson and Davies.

But with broadcasting rights shifting and the pundit line-up shrinking, the BBC faces its biggest rugby challenge yet. The coming months could bring more departures — and the end of an era for its Six Nations coverage.