30 August 2007
S4C today (30 August) announced its full and extensive coverage of the 2007 Rugby World Cup featuring a winning line-up of live action, highlights, expert analysis and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Welsh camp. The coverage was unveiled at a launch event at the Welsh rugby squad’s training HQ in the Vale of Glamorgan.
S4C will show 25 live games including all of the matches in Wales' Group B, selected matches from other Groups, all the Quarter-Final matches, the Semi-finals, the Third-place play-off and the Final in Paris on 20 October.
Former Welsh rugby captains Ieuan Evans and Gwyn Jones and fellow ex-internationals Arthur Emyr and Derwyn Jones will bring top-level insight and experience to S4C’s Cwpan Rygbi'r Byd 2007 team, while another ex-captain, Jonathan Davies, will be hosting five Rugby World Cup editions of his popular entertainment show, Jonathan.
Gareth Roberts and Arthur Emyr will be the match presenters with Wyn Gruffydd joined by Derwyn Jones in the commentary box. Ieuan Evans and Gwyn Jones will provide expert comment and analysis. Eleri Siôn and Sarra Elgan will provide pitch-side and on-location reports.
Coverage kicks off on 7 September with all the pre-match excitement in Paris and the live broadcast of the opening France v Argentina game at the Stade de France.
And, exclusively on S4C, there will be behind-the-scenes access to the Welsh rugby camp in three fly-on-the-wall documentaries, Gwesty Cymru. The programmes will follow the preparations of the players, coaches and entourage in the bid for Rugby World Cup glory.
Rugby-themed entertainment and children’s shows will also be broadcast during the tournament. Beti George and Gary Slaymaker will present a post-match rugby fanzine, fielding responses and reactions from fans. A new series of Rygbi 100%, the children’s rugby skills programme, will feature master classes by Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel.
The programming will be supported by a Cwpan Rybgi'r Byd 2007 website featuring news and updates, fixtures, results, competitions, profiles and blogs, s4c.co.uk/rygbi.
Rhian Gibson, S4C's Director of Commissioning, said: "S4C is dedicating more than 70 hours of programming to Rugby World Cup 2007, building on our extensive portfolio of sports broadcasting. S4C will be providing world-class coverage befitting a world-class tournament."
Ends
Note to Editors
S4C’s coverage of Cwpan Rygbi'r Byd 2007 can be seen in Wales on analogue and on digital - terrestrial, satellite and cable. Outside Wales, it can be seen free-to-air on Sky 134.
Cwpan Rygbi’r Byd 2007
A Sunset & Vine Cymru production for S4C
Jonathan
An Avanti production for BBC Cymru for S4C
Gwesty Cymru
An SMS production for S4C
Rygbi 100%
A Cwmni Da production for S4C
