By Gareth James
S4C chiefs believe their new Six Nations deal has reinforced their position as the primary TV broadcaster of Welsh rugby from the grass roots to the international game.
The Welsh language broadcaster has secured the rights to every Wales men’s Six Nations match for the next four years.
It will be the only broadcaster to show every Wales game, after successful negotiations with the primary rights holders, the BBC and ITV.
The coverage will begin with a broadcast of S4C’s Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol on 5 February 2022, when Wales face Ireland in Dublin.
Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol is produced by BBC Wales, and, in addition to the men’s Six Nations, will also show two of Wales’s matches in the 2022 Women’s Six Nations and three in the 2022 Under 20’s Six Nations.
Sue Butler, S4C sports commissioner, said: “The Guinness Six Nations is an international rugby championship with unrivalled passion and excitement, and we are delighted to continue our long association with it.
Amazing News! Welsh rugby belongs to everyone in Wales! Glad we’ll all be able to continue to watch the Six Nations in Welsh and for free on @S4C 👏🏼 👏🏽👏🏿 @WelshRugbyUnion 🏉🏴 https://t.co/aCUlQIV5fX
— Heledd Fychan AS/ MS (@Heledd_Plaid) December 7, 2021
“This new agreement completes a portfolio of rugby union on S4C which stretches from colleges, Premiership clubs, Regional in the URC and Europe, to International rugby. S4C is pleased to support our national teams and Welsh rugby across the board.”
Steve Phillips, Welsh Rugby Union chief executive, added: “The provision of Welsh language broadcasting is a vital part of our strategy for the whole game in Wales and we warmly welcome this news from S4C.
“S4C play an integral part in supporting Welsh rugby from our club game, to our professional sides, our pathway teams and both our men’s and women’s international sides and we are very grateful for their continued backing in all of these areas.”