S4C to broadcast Anglo-Welsh rugby

S4C is to offer live, exclusive and free-to-air broadcasts of a number of LV= Cup matches as well as extensive highlights.

Over the next two seasons, the Channel will broadcast up to five live matches from the pool rounds, while highlights of the semi-finals and final, held in March 2010, will also be screened.

Coverage of the knockout competition will kick off at Rodney Parade, Newport on Friday, 6 November as the Dragons host Sale Sharks. On the second weekend of the competition S4C will show live coverage of Bath v Ospreys from the Recreation Ground. Other matches will feature in the New Year from weekends 3 and 4.

Live coverage of Wales’ autumn international campaign will also be available on S4C, starting on Saturday, 7 November when Wales host New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium. S4C will also broadcast the matches against Samoa, Argentina and Australia live.

S4C also broadcasts Heineken Cup, Magners League, Principality Premiership and SWALEC Cup matches and highlights throughout the season.

Geraint Rowlands, S4C’s Content Editor, Sport said: “The inclusion of the re-vamped Anglo-Welsh cup competition to S4C’s schedules will offer even more exciting live rugby action to fans and further strengthens the Channel’s impressive rugby and sports portfolio.”

Roger Lewis, Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) Group Chief Executive, concluded, “Anglo-Welsh rivalries are amongst the oldest in world rugby and this competition will once again stir a huge amount of excitement from players, coaches and fans.

“The Welsh Rugby Union has always championed this competition and it’s great news for rugby fans that S4C will broadcast live, free-to-air LV= matches as well as highlights of the final and semi-final across Wales and the rest of the UK.

“We look forward to another season of top class rugby between the best English clubs and our Welsh regions.”