Wales’ Dove Men Test clashes with Ireland and Italy at the Millennium Stadium and the team’s away trip to face Ireland in Dublin will all be available across BBC Wales services in a broadcast deal with the Welsh Rugby Union which was confirmed today.
BBC Wales television, radio and online services will provide full coverage and highlights of the three matches Wales play as they prepare for the IRB World Cup, which kicks off in September.
BBC One Wales will broadcast Wales v Ireland on Saturday, August 8 in full, along with live commentary on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru.
S4C will show highlights of the Ireland game in Welsh, as well as the Italy game live, simulcast with BBC Wales at the beginning of September.
On Saturday 29 August, BBC Two Wales will show highlights of that afternoon’s Ireland v Wales international in the evening, with full live commentary of the game during the afternoon on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru.
And Wales’s final fixture before the Rugby World Cup, at home to Italy on Saturday 5 September, will be broadcast live on BBC Two Wales, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru as well as on S4C.
Today also sees confirmation of the BBC Wales presenters and experts who will bring all the action from the Test matches. Presenter Ross Harries will be joined by commentators Gareth Charles and Jonathan Davies and guests Martyn Williams , Shane Williams and current Wales international Jonathan Davies Phil Steele will provide pitch-side analysis.
S4C’s live coverage of Wales v Italy and highlights of the Ireland match at the Millennium Stadium will be provided by the award-winning BBC Wales team: Presenter Gareth Roberts will be joined by commentators Cennydd Davies, Gareth Rhys Owen and Gwyn Jones. Gwyn will also join Shane Williams pitch-side.
Today’s news is a further boost for Welsh rugby fans. It follows the confirmation last week of a new free-to-air broadcast partnership between the BBC and ITV that from next season until 2021, the television and online rights to the Six Nations will be shared between the BBC and ITV while the radio rights – including coverage on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru – will remain with the BBC.
Geoff Williams, Head of Sport at BBC Wales said:
“Rugby internationals always excite the nation, so we’re primed and ready to follow Wales all the way to the Rugby World Cup by providing comprehensive coverage of these fascinating games. With places in the World Cup starting line-up at stake, there should be plenty of talking points for our viewers and listeners.”
WRU chairman Gareth Davies said:
“We are looking at a sell-out at the Millennium Stadium for that first Dove Men Test clash with Ireland and so it has been all the more important to reach an agreement on the broadcast rights which will ensure that the nation can follow Warren Gatland’s side every step of the way as they prepare for the Rugby World Cup.
“By the time we face Italy in September our final squad for the Rugby World Cup will have been named and excitement will be building to a frenzy. This match in particular and both clashes with the Irish, at home and away, should prove to be fascinating contests for viewers, listeners and visiting fans alike.”
Dafydd Rhys, Director of Content at S4C said: “We are delighted to be providing free-to-air live coverage of the Italy match and highlights of the Ireland match in Welsh on S4C. These matches are the ideal build-up for Welsh rugby fans to the Rugby World Cup this autumn which S4C will broadcast along with a package of nine live games and a comprehensive highlights package.”
