As the race to clinch a place in tier one of the Principality Premiership comes to a dramatic conclusion, WRU broadcast partner S4C will televise three live Principality Premiership games over the Christmas and New Year period.
The matches will also be available to watch live via the S4C Chwaraeon Facebook Live channel and the coverage kicks off a run of 15 televised games on the Welsh language channel in total over the season which will follow the Principality Premiership and National Cup, Plate and Bowl to their conclusion.
Eight teams will fight it out to reach the Principality Premiership semi-finals and final once the Premiership splits in the New Year and performances in the next few weeks will be critical to the make-up of that Pool of eight.
The next Principality Premiership action sees Cardiff, currently in eighth place, take on third placed Blues rivals Pontypridd on Friday 23 December, while the first televised game is at Bridge Field on Boxing Day with Bedwas, who sit in fifth place as the table stands, hosting ninth placed Ebbw Vale at 4.45pm. Other key matches that day include Cross Keys v Newport and Carmarthen Quins v Llandovery, RGC travelling to Merthyr on Bank Holiday Tuesday 27 December.
The S4C cameras then travel to Sardis Road for a New Year's Eve treat. Last year's finalists Pontypridd take on Cross Keys, who are curently tenth but with a chance of challenging for the top eight with a run of form. And ahead of that game which kicks off at 3pm, Pontypridd Youth play Treorchy Youth at 12noon with the new artificial pitch providing an ideal, all weather surface.
The choice of televised match for Saturday 7 January will be made after Christmas, and the National Cup Round 1 tie between Llanelli and Pontypool on January 28 has also been confirmed as a live televised encounter.
WRU Head of Rugby Performance Geraint John said, "The interest in the Principality Premiership has clearly increased this season with very competitive matches and with the added incentive for clubs of trying to get into tier one. We are working closely with the Premiership clubs to provide coaching support and we can look forward to an exciting climax of this first part of the season, S4C's coverage will play a big part in that."
Head of Rugby Operations Julie Paterson said, "We are privileged to have such support from our broadcast partners in Wales. To have 15 Principality Premiership and National Cup, Plate and Bowl matches televised live on S4C between now and the end of the season is a huge plus point for the Premiership and grassroots rugby in Wales and all parties are working together to ensure the best outcome for all."
WRU Head of Rugby Participation Ryan Jones added, "From a community perspective, we are thrilled that youth rugby will be played on the same day and at the same venue as some of the televised Principality Premiership and National Cup matches. The opportunity will provide a stage for youth teams to shine and Pontypridd Youth v Treorchy Youth will certainly add to the occasion at Sardis Road on New Year's Eve and is hopefully an idea that will continue to grow with more Principality Premiership clubs and Regions enjoying the opportunities artificial pitches provide."
S4C's Sport Content Commisioner, Sue Butler, said: "We are committed to supporting every level of rugby in Wales and delighted to broadcast live games from the Principality Premiership and The National Cup, Plate and Bowl. Rugby is again at the heart of our Christmas and New Year schedule and we hope fans of all ages will enjoy the coverage."
