BBC Guaranteed Exclusive Live Coverage of Welsh Rugby Union for Coming Seasons

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and the BBC have announced a new four-year contract that grants the BBC Network exclusive live coverage of autumn series International matches on network television until the end of 2018, greatly increasing the union’s financial stability in the coming seasons.

WRU chief executive, Roger Lewis (pictured left), expressed the importance of the new contract, when he said: “Today’s announcement is incredibly significant for the future of Welsh rugby…We are delighted to be able to extend our working relationship with the BBC through to the end of 2018 and have recognised the importance of making Welsh rugby available to as wide an audience as possible.”

Rhodri Talfan Davies (pictured right), Director of BBC Cymru Wales, discussed the important role the channel has on Welsh rugby, saying: “BBC Cymru Wales has been at the heart of Welsh rugby coverage for years – both domestically and internationally – and I’m thrilled that this agreement ensures that everyone in Wales will continue to share in the drama and excitement of these mouth-watering clashes against some of the southern hemisphere’s finest sides.”

The WRU also expressed their intention to ensure that Saturday afternoon kick-offs become the new norm for Autumn Internationals from 2014.