Radio Cymru ‘hopeful’ of retaining Welsh language rights to autumn internationals

BBC Radio Cymru are still hopeful of retaining Welsh language commentary rights to the autumn internationals, it has been reported.

According to WalesOnline, it is understood that they believe they can hang on to them despite the BBC, including Radio Wales, suffering a blow over Wales’ upcoming international campaign, with talkSPORT winning the radio rights for the whole Autumn Nations Series.

This follows the news that live TV coverage of Wales’ matches against New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Fiji will only be available via Amazon Prime Video, with neither BBC Wales nor S4C broadcasting the games.

Amazon has decided to offer its own Welsh language commentary in order to ensure that audiences in Wales pay to tune into their own subscription service. Last year it allowed S4C to carry on broadcasting the games.

‘Strong credentials’ 

Head of talkSPORT Lee Clayton said: “talkSPORT has strong credentials in rugby and we are delighted to expand our coverage across the Autumn Nations Series.

“As a network we are powered by fans, and our experienced line up of former internationals and first-class rugby commentators will bring supporters all the insight, analysis and reaction across a fascinating month of action.”

Six Nations Rugby CEO Ben Morel said: “We can’t wait to get this partnership with talkSPORT underway. “They have award-winning credentials in covering live sport and we are really looking forward to hearing their coverage.”