13 March 2015

   S4C has secured the rights to broadcast the Rugby World Cup 2015 in England – and the channel will provide an attractive package of live matches, highlights, analysis and chat programmes.

S4C's Rugby World Cup 2015 coverage will include nine live games, covering all the Wales games throughout the tournament.

And whatever fate awaits Wales in the tournament, S4C will broadcast one live match from the quarter-finals, one match from the semi-finals, the bronze final and the final itself.

S4C's coverage begins on 18 September with the Opening Ceremony and the tournament's first match between England and Fiji at Twickenham.

Wales' Rugby World Cup campaign begins on 20 September in the Millennium Stadium against Uruguay. Wales will then face England at Twickenham on 26 September. On 1 October Wales will face Fiji in Cardiff and the all-important Australia v Wales will be on 10 October at Twickenham.

The nine matches will also be available to watch again on s4c.cymru/clic – the online on-demand service (available to UK viewers only). Highlights of the matches will also be shown on the channel's rugby website, s4c.cymru, iPlayer and other platforms.

S4C can however confirm that anchor presenter Gareth Roberts and the commentator and former Wales captain Gwyn Jones will be among them. Further announcements about the presentation team will follow.

A discussion and analysis programme will broadcast throughout the tournament – with a panel full of big names from the world of sport and broadcasting with further announcements to follow.

In addition, the rugby-themed chat show Jonathan will be broadcast during the championship with Jonathan Davies, Nigel Owens and Sarra Elgan taking a look at all the matches on the eve of the Wales matches. Avanti will be responsible for the production of this show.

Dafydd Rhys, S4C's Director of Content said, "We are delighted to be able to announce our attractive package of live matches, highlights and analysis – it's great news for rugby followers. It's important that the coverage is available in the Welsh language, especially as some of the Rugby World Cup matches will be played in Wales.

"Aquiring the rights for the Rugby World Cup 2015 completes our package of rugby coverage which includes rugby on all levels and ages in Wales, the UK and the world. It's a unique service which shows our commitment to a sport that is at the heart of Welsh life."

World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said, "Rugby World Cup 2015 will be a very special and record-breaking global celebration of rugby and the host cities.

"Wales is at the very heart of the tournament from a participation, hosting and fan capacity and World Rugby is excited about the extensive Welsh language content that is being produced by S4C which will reach out, engage and inspire audiences across Wales."

A promo will be shown in the Millennium Stadium on Saturday showcasing rugby on all levels in Wales.

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