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S4C Extends the Historic’ Free-to-Air Partnership

S4C’s historic 25-year partnership with the United Rugby Championship has been extended until 2027, ensuring the league remains available on free-to-air television in the UK.
The Welsh language broadcaster holds the unique distinction of having broadcast the league in every one of its 24 seasons, dating back to the launch of the original Celtic League. Now entering its 25th season, S4C will broadcast 20 live games featuring the Welsh regions, while also providing deferred coverage of a further 18 fixtures on its linear channel.
The renewal follows the first four seasons of the BKT United Rugby Championship, which have drawn a combined TV audience of 173 million. The addition of the four powerhouse South African teams has increased on-field competitiveness and fan interest across the league.
A huge factor in that growth has come in digital spaces, and S4C has committed to ensuring that its coverage is as accessible as possible to audiences of all ages. Each live game will be broadcast on YouTube (S4C Chwaraeon), while the reach of these highly anticipated fixtures will also be enhanced by continued digital presence on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer — all of which will provide commentary in both Welsh and English.
Martin Anayi, CEO of the United Rugby Championship, said: “Our partnership with S4C holds so much value due to their belief in the league from day one. They saw the vision initially held by the Celtic League and embraced our expansion to Italy and then South Africa. They have showcased the extraordinary moments and backed us in the toughest of times.
They have broadcast the crowning of Scarlets and Ospreys championship teams, and for a quarter century they have focused their cameras on legends of the Welsh and international game who have gone toe-to-toe in our league.
As a league, we are grateful to ensure that free-to-air coverage of the BKT URC continues across the UK and Ireland thanks to this extension with S4C, and the renewal with TG4 which we announced a few months ago. Professional sport must walk a tightrope in terms of ensuring the game is well resourced while also providing access and awareness to new fans. We are glad to maintain that balance in our new broadcast cycle and I would like to thank everyone at S4C for their continued support of the league and Welsh Rugby.”
Sue Butler, S4C’s Head of Sport, said: “We are delighted to renew our commitment to live BKT URC coverage from September. S4C has always been there for the Welsh regions, with free-to-air coverage that is vital for the game in Wales. We’re looking forward to following the progress of the Welsh regions, with both Welsh and English commentary available on all our platforms for the new season.”
S4C’s Live Fixtures for 2025/26
R1 – Saturday, Sept 27
Cardiff Rugby v Lions, KO: 19:45
R2 – Friday, Oct 3
Dragons RFC v Hollywoodbets Sharks, KO: 20:05
R3 – Friday, Oct 10
Scarlets v DHL Stormers, KO: 19:45
R3 – Saturday, Oct 11
Cardiff Rugby v Connacht, KO: 19:45
R4 – Friday, Oct 17
Dragons RFC v Cardiff Rugby, KO: 19:45
R5 – Saturday, Oct 25
Cardiff Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby, KO: 19:45
R6 – Saturday, Nov 29
Scarlets v Glasgow Warriors, KO: 19:45

R7 – Saturday, Dec 20
Ospreys v Munster, KO: 17:30
R8 – Friday, Dec 26
Scarlets v Ospreys, KO: 17:30
R9 – Thursday, Jan 1
Dragons RFC v Scarlets, KO: 15:00
R10 – Friday, Jan 23
Ospreys v Lions, KO: 19:45
R11 – Friday, Jan 30
Benetton v Scarlets, KO: 19:45
R11 – Saturday, Jan 31
Ospreys v Dragons RFC, KO: 19:45
R12 – Friday, Feb 27
Cardiff Rugby v Leinster, KO: 19:45
R13 – Friday, Mar 20Scarlets v Zebre Parma, KO: 19:45
R14 – Saturday, Mar 28
Leinster v Scarlets, KO: 17:30
R15 – Friday, Apr 17
Dragons RFC v Vodacom Bulls, KO: 19:45
R16 – Friday, Apr 24
Cardiff Rugby v Ospreys, KO: 19:45
R17 – Friday, May 8
Glasgow Warriors v Cardiff Rugby, KO: 19:45
R18 – Saturday, May 16
Scarlets v Dragons RFC, KO: 17:15

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