S4C Extends ‘Historic’ Free-to-Air Partnership with the United Rugby Championship until 2027

S4C’s historic 25-year partnership with the United Rugby Championship has been extended until 2027, ensuring the league remains available on free-to-air television in the UK.

The Welsh language broadcaster holds the unique distinction of having broadcast the league in every one of its 24 seasons, dating back to the launch of the original Celtic League. Now entering its 25th season, S4C will broadcast 20 live games featuring the Welsh regions, while also providing deferred coverage of a further 18 fixtures on its linear channel.

The renewal follows the first four seasons of the BKT United Rugby Championship, which have drawn a combined TV audience of 173 million. The addition of the four powerhouse South African teams has increased on-field competitiveness and fan interest across the league.

A huge factor in that growth has come in digital spaces, and S4C has committed to ensuring that its coverage is as accessible as possible to audiences of all ages. Each live game will be broadcast on YouTube (S4C Chwaraeon), while the reach of these highly anticipated fixtures will also be enhanced by continued digital presence on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer — all of which will provide commentary in both Welsh and English.

Martin Anayi, CEO of the United Rugby Championship, said: “Our partnership with S4C holds so much value due to their belief in the league from day one. They saw the vision initially held by the Celtic League and embraced our expansion to Italy and then South Africa. They have showcased the extraordinary moments and backed us in the toughest of times.

"They have broadcast the crowning of Scarlets and Ospreys championship teams, and for a quarter century they have focused their cameras on legends of the Welsh and international game who have gone toe-to-toe in our league.

"As a league, we are grateful to ensure that free-to-air coverage of the BKT URC continues across the UK and Ireland thanks to this extension with S4C, and the renewal with TG4 which we announced a few months ago. Professional sport must walk a tightrope in terms of ensuring the game is well resourced while also providing access and awareness to new fans. We are glad to maintain that balance in our new broadcast cycle and I would like to thank everyone at S4C for their continued support of the league and Welsh Rugby.”

Sue Butler, S4C’s Head of Sport, said: “We are delighted to renew our commitment to live BKT URC coverage from September. S4C has always been there for the Welsh regions, with free-to-air coverage that is vital for the game in Wales. We’re looking forward to following the progress of the Welsh regions, with both Welsh and English commentary available on all our platforms for the new season.”

S4C’s Live Fixtures for 2025/26

R1 - Saturday, Sept 27

Cardiff Rugby v Lions, KO: 7.45pm

R2 - Friday, Oct 3

Dragons RFC v Hollywoodbets Sharks, KO: 8.05pm

R3 - Friday, Oct 10

Scarlets v DHL Stormers, KO: 7.45pm

R3 – Saturday, Oct 11

Cardiff Rugby v Connacht, KO: 7.45pm

R4 - Friday, Oct 17

Dragons RFC v Cardiff Rugby, KO: 7.45pm

R5 - Saturday, Oct 25

Cardiff Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby, KO: 7.45pm

R6 - Saturday, Nov 29

Scarlets v Glasgow Warriors, KO: 7.45pm

R7 - Saturday, Dec 20

Ospreys v Munster, KO: 5.30pm

R8 - Friday, Dec 26

Scarlets v Ospreys, KO: 5.30pm

R9 - Thursday, Jan 1

Dragons RFC v Scarlets, KO: 3pm

R10 - Friday, Jan 23

Ospreys v Lions, KO: 7.45pm

R11 - Friday, Jan 30

Benetton v Scarlets, KO: 7.45pm

R11 - Saturday, Jan 31

Ospreys v Dragons RFC, KO: 7.45pm

R12 - Friday, Feb 27

Cardiff Rugby v Leinster, KO: 7.45pm

R13 - Friday, Mar 20

Scarlets v Zebre Parma, KO: 7.45pm

R14 - Saturday, Mar 28

Leinster v Scarlets, KO: 5.30pm

R15 - Friday, Apr 17

Dragons RFC v Vodacom Bulls, KO: 7.45pm

R16 - Friday, Apr 24

Cardiff Rugby v Ospreys, KO: 7.45pm

R17 - Friday, May 8

Glasgow Warriors v Cardiff Rugby, KO: 7.45pm

R18 - Saturday, May 16

Scarlets v Dragons RFC, KO: 5.15pm