WELSH RUGBY SET TO BE SHOWN ON CHANNEL 4
Wales’ historic summer Test match against South Africa is set to be screened live on Channel Four, with the broadcaster also in line to show the tour of Argentina.
It will be the first time Wales rugby matches have ever been shown on the channel, which is not known for its rugby coverage.
No deal has been signed yet but it is understood talks are at an advanced stage with the broadcaster to show the opening match of Wales’ summer schedule on June 2.
The ground-breaking first game takes place at the RFK Stadium in Washington, with 12,000 tickets currently sold. Reports last month suggested the game could be in jeopardy but they have since been strenuously denied by organisers.
It’s believed the BBC and online broadcaster Amazon were also interested in screening Wales’ matches but both look to have missed out.
Warren Gatland’s men follow their game against the Springboks with a two-Test series in Argentina, where they face the Pumas on June 9 and June 16. And it’s understood Channel Four are in line to show all three games as a bundle package. They have no track record of covering international rugby but will broadcast nine live matches in the European Champions Cup from next season.
Their main sports coverage is now largely focused on Formula One and other motor sport, having previously covered horse racing.
The move would be another blow for the BBC after it was confirmed they have lost the rights to broadcast PRO14 matches earlier this week, with pay TV channel Premier Sports taking over.
BBC Wales will no longer be able to show their popular highlights programme Scrum V under the terms of the new deal.
It’s understood they are now considering whether to show live Principality Premiership matches. S4C are still in negotiations over the rights to broadcast PRO14 matches with Welsh language commentary.
Last summer’s Wales tour of Tonga and Samoa was screened live on BBC Wales, with Sky Sports having the rights to show the Lions tour that took place at the same time.