Talks ‘ongoing’ to keep Wales’ autumn rugby internationals on S4C
Talks are “ongoing” to keep Wales’ autumn internationals on S4C, the Welsh language broadcaster has revealed.
It has been announced that Amazon Prime Video will broadcast 17 of 20 test matches in the northern hemisphere in what will collectively be known as the Autumn Nations Series from 2021.
This means all of Wales, England, Scotland, France and Italy’s matches at the Autumn Nations Series in the UK will go behind the streaming service’s paywall.
It means no autumn rugby Tests will be broadcast on free to air channels BBC and ITV.
However, talks are “ongoing” over Welsh language provision on S4C. Each of Wales’ matches in the autumn of 2020 were broadcast live free-to-air on the channel.
When asked by consultant Tegid Roberts, if the matches would be shown on S4C, the Welsh language channel responded, saying: “Hello Tegid, discussions on Welsh language rights are ongoing.”
Six Nations chief executive Ben Morel told WalesOnline: “We are delighted to be working with Prime Video again for the broadcast of the Autumn Nations Series.
“They were a fantastic partner last year and we share the same ambition to establish an exciting series that fans will engage with and enjoy.
“We have worked closely with all our Unions to agree a schedule of fixtures, that minimises overlaps making it possible for supporters in UK and Ireland to watch every single match from the home teams in a series that will showcase the best teams in the northern hemisphere against the best teams in the southern hemisphere, with Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa all featuring.
“The series will also be the opportunity for the public to enjoy some of rugby’s emerging nations, Japan, Tonga, Georgia and Fiji and witness some of rugby’s great growing talents.”
‘Continue working’
Alex Green, managing director of Prime Video Sport Europe, said: “We are thrilled to continue working with Six Nations Rugby to bring more top-level international rugby union to Prime Video.
“The Autumn Nations Series will build on that and deliver highly anticipated Tests between the best and most exciting teams from the northern and southern hemispheres.”
Marie Donoghue, vice president of Global Sports Video at Amazon, said: “We’re always looking for creative ways to improve the selection of live sport on Prime Video and engage millions of new and existing Prime members.
“We saw an overwhelmingly positive reception to the Autumn Nations Cup last year, and believe this deal allows us to continue delighting rugby fans throughout the UK.”
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The ticket prices to watch Wales in rugby are already a joke. I pay 20 quid for a ticket to watch Wales in the footy (including competitive games) and the game last 10 minutes longer. Plus the atmosphere is way better. When the Welsh football team went behind the SKY subscription, it really killed our national team and no-one knew when we were playing and it trashed the attendance numbers. Just pray that S4C get that contract like they did with the footy.
Perhaps we could do with a rest from Rugby as its offering of late has been dire with attrition replacing flair and guile. Win at all costs is the direct result of the commercialisation of the game, and combined with the daft ticket prices it has become far less palatable. I agree with GWA that round ball have shown the way to entertain at prices within reach of the paying public. And that’s from a man who has been a rugby fan and club supporter for over 50 years !
It’s £35 to watch Wales v Estonia football next month in a club ground. Let’s see how entertaining that turns out to be.
A fu’r iaith Gymraeg erioed yn flaenoriaeth i Undeb Rygbi Cymru?
Amlwg beth yw’r ateb !!!! A oes yna gorff arall sy’n gwneud sut “fuss” o addolu’r teulu brenhinol prydeinig ?