S4C to broadcast Big Welsh Derby
The Wales Rugby League have confirmed that S4C will show highlights of the Big Welsh Derby on May 10 between North Wales Crusaders and South Wales Scorpions.
The game will take place at Cardiff Arms Park and will be just one of four games in total taking place on the day, with youth and reserve matches also scheduled.
The Welsh language channel will show 20–25 minutes of highlights of the game on their flagship sports show ‘Clwb’ at approximately 6.15pm that evening.
An RFL spokesman said: “It’s terrific news that sports fans all over the UK will be able to watch highlights from the Big Welsh Derby on S4C.
“The intense rivalry between the Scorpions and Crusaders is a highlight of the Kingstone Press League 1 season and TV viewers are in for a treat.”
Wales Rugby League chairman Brian Juliff was delighted that the game would receive a higher profile as a result of the coverage.
“This is a big step forward for Rugby League in Wales and a great opportunity to showcase the game across the country,” he said.
“I am pleased that our talented young players will have the opportunity to impress the Welsh sporting public with their skill set and high fitness levels.
“The coverage from S4C is welcomed and strengthens our position as one of the fastest growing sports in Wales. This gives us the chance to sell the game to a knowledgeable and appreciative rugby nation.”
WRL chief operating officer Chris Thair highlighted the role played by the WRL’s own Welsh-speaking staff in arranging the coverage.
“Domestic television coverage through the Welsh language channel S4C is fantastic news for Rugby League and another indication the sport is progressing in Wales,” he said.
“WRL Welsh language reporter Sian Golden continues to do fantastic work in this field and has been instrumental in getting the game onto S4C.
“WRL also has a number of all Welsh speaking schools that play rugby league through our community programme, with Glantaf’s Year 7 side currently just one game away from reaching Wembley Stadium in the Champion Schools competition.
“WRL has recently held meetings with Sport Wales and Welsh Government on sports commitment to the Welsh Language and we will continue to do this in the future.”
S4C last showed matches at this level in 2007 and 2008 when the old Celtic Crusaders were based in Bridgend. More recently, they showed highlights of the NRL Grand Final last year.
Sue Butler, S4C Sports Rights Editor was delighted that her channel had once again linked up with rugby league.
“S4C has a proud record over the years of broadcasting Rugby League coverage from Wales, UK and beyond,” she said.
“Our sports show Clwb prides itself in covering a wide range of sport and we at S4C know there’s a huge interest in rugby league in Wales.
“Last year, Clwb broadcast the Australian Grand Final and had a huge response.
“We look forward to showing highlights of the Big Welsh Derby and am sure it will prove to be a highly popular programme.”