21 January 2020

A new chapter in Welsh rugby is upon us.

With a new coach and several fresh faces in the Wales squad, the 2020 Guinness Six Nations promises to be "exciting and adventurous", according to Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol presenter Gareth Rhys Owen.

Having secured the Grand Slam last year, Wales begin their defence of the title with a home match against Italy on Saturday 1 February.

Each one of Wales' matches during the championship will be shown live on S4C by the Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol team, which is a BBC Wales production.

In the Women's Six Nations, three of Wales' matches will also be shown live, against Ireland on Sunday 9 February, France on Sunday 23 February and a web broadcast of England v Wales on Saturday 7 March.

In addition, two of Wales' matches in the Under 20s Six Nations will be shown, against Italy on Friday 31 January and Scotland on Friday 13 March.

In the Women's Six Nations, three of Wales' matches will also be shown live, in addition to two of the Wales Under 20s team's matches.

Gareth Rhys Owen said: "It's a new era for Wales under Wayne Pivac and it's an exciting time. We don't know quite what to expect.

"Having spent enough time with Pivac, he is a very sociable and likeable character.

"I wouldn't be surprised to see his personality reflected on the Wales team, by making them a bit more willing to express themselves and to attempt the unexpected.

"But I wouldn't expect him to dismiss every facet of play that brought success during the Gatland era."

Pivac named five uncapped players in his first ever Six Nations squad and Gareth hopes to see them impressing in the red jersey.

"It's exciting to see new players in the squad. Many of them were unknown until recently, but Louis Rees-Zammit is absolutely flying on the wing for Gloucester at the moment, and WillGriff John a massive prop, to name just two.

"There are a lot of experienced players in the squad as well, so it's a good mix. Josh Adams is one of the first names on the team these days and it would be great to see Taulupe Faletau back in the team also."

And who does Gareth think are favourites to win this year?

"England, without a doubt. On paper, their starting fifteen are frightening and they have experience in all the important positions, as well as great young players.

"I would expect to see Wales win their home games, against all the blue nations, but the away games against Ireland and England are definitely the toughest.

"But with Wales, Ireland and France all going through transitional periods, the uncertainty of how these teams will play make this an exciting and adventurous championship."

The popular series Jonathan will also return to the screen during the championship, as Jonathan Davies, Nigel Owens, Sarra Elgan and a host of famous faces look ahead to each of Wales' games. The first episode will be shown at 9.30pm on Thursday 30 January.

Isuzu will sponsor S4C's coverage of Wales men's and women's matches throughout the championship, as well as each episode of Jonathan.

2020 Six Nations schedule

Round 1

31/01/20 - Under 20: Wales v Italy - 7.25pm*

01/01/20 – Men: Wales v Italy - 1.30pm

Round 2

08/02/20 – Men: Ireland v Wales – 1.30pm

09/02/20 - Women: Ireland v Wales - 12.45pm*

Round 3

22/02/20 – Men: Wales v France - 4.00pm

23/02/20 - Women: Wales v France - 11.45am*

Round 4

07/03/20 – Women: England v Wales – 12.05pm (Kick off time - web broadcast only)

07/03/20 – Men: England v Wales – 4.00pm

Round 5

13/03/20 - Under 20: Wales v Scotland – 7.25pm*

14/03/20 – Men: Wales v Scotland - 1.30pm

On-demand: S4C Clic, iPlayer and other platforms

A BBC Wales production for S4C

(* - English commentary available)