05 November 2019

S4C has reached an agreement to show live coverage of Welsh regions' matches in the European Rugby Challenge Cup this season.

With three of the regions in this season's competition, supporters will able to watch one live match per round during the group stages, after an agreement was reached with rights-holders BT Sport and EPCR.

The first two fixtures have been confirmed. Round one will see the Scarlets' home match against Pool Two opponents London Irish being broadcast live on S4C, on Saturday 16 November.

The second match to be televised will be the Pool Five clash between Cardiff Blues and Leicester Tigers on Saturday 23 November.

Four further group stages matches will be shown, with two in December and two in January 2020. English language commentary will be available on some of the matches.

BT Sport will continue as the home of Challenge Cup matches across the UK including coverage of Welsh sides. It will air four live Challenge Cup matches across the opening rounds of the competition, including Leicester Tigers v Cardiff Blues on Sunday, 12 January.

Sue Butler, S4C Sports Commissioner, said: "After the World Cup, regional and club rugby is back in focus and S4C is delighted to be once again showing European matches.

"With three Welsh regions in EPCR Challenge Cup, we've a live game in each of the first six rounds and looking forward to starting at Parc y Scarlets for the game against London Irish."

Live European Rugby Challenge Cup fixtures on S4C:

Saturday 16 November – Scarlets v London Irish – 7.45pm

Saturday 23 November – Cardiff Blues v Leicester Tigers – 8pm