Wales v Serbia World Cup qualifier live on TV

[John Drake]

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER TO BE FEATURED LIVE ON TV

 

Wales’ first 2017 World Cup European Pool A qualifying match against Serbia, at Parc Stebonheath Llanelli, on Saturday 15 October, is to be shown live on S4C.

 

It is the first time that the Welsh language broadcaster has shown live rugby league since 2008 and the first time that the Welsh national side has featured live on the station since the 1995 World Cup.

 

The match kick-off time will now be at 3pm rather than 6pm, with S4C coverage starting at 2.45pm, and will be available in both Welsh and English language throughout the UK, with the English version available on the red button service.

 

The winner of the pool, which also includes Italy who Wales face in Monza, goes straight through to the 2017 Rugby League World Cup finals in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, with the runners up taking on the second place side from Pool B, involving Ireland, Spain and Russia, in a play-off at Leigh Centurions, on 4 November. 

 

Wales’ head coach John Kear commented: “This is tremendous news. S4C showed highlights of our European Championship winning campaign and the fact that they’ve now chosen to show our World Cup game against Serbia live and free to air is testimony to the improved performances of the squad and awareness of the game. 

 

“S4C’s broadcast will bring a new audience to the game and we want the television public to enjoy it. We now need to ensure that the ground is full to add to the atmosphere and then nail that result.”

 

S4C Sports Editor, Sue Butler noted: "We're very pleased to include live coverage of this Qualifiers match as part of our sports portfolio. We wish the side the very best of luck as they represent Wales on an international stage and look forward to providing this exclusively live broadcast. " 

 

S4C is available on a range of TV and online platforms across the UK. In Wales on Freeview 4, Sky 104, Freesat 104 and Virgin 166, and across the UK on Sky 134, Freesat 120, Virgin 166. Also live and on demand online on s4c.cymru as well as BBC iPlayer, YouView and other platforms. 

 

[buford t justice]

Sky 104 is channel 4!

 

When is the game?

[deluded pom?]

Sky 134.

[Chronicler of Chiswick]

Soccer on S4C has an English commentary on the red button, do we know if they'll be doing the same for us?

[deluded pom?]

Has anyone else bothered to read the OP.

[TheLegendOfTexEvans]

Fantastic news.

[fearnowt]

This is great news, and the earlier kick off time means it is now possible to go by train from Wrexham and get back on the same day.

[jannerboyuk]

Great news. Sat 3pm as it should always be in wales for all games given the spread of support and the importance of transport, including the ironmen. Ironically i can actually go tothis given the time change, even though its on telly. Ill wave to you all

[Futtocks]

Looking forward to it already!  

[Copa]

This must be the most coverage ever received by the Serbian team. I hope they can take full advantage of it for the game back in Serbia.

Exciting days for them. A few NRL stars have been in their initial squad.

[TheLegendOfTexEvans]

This must be the most coverage ever received by the Serbian team. I hope they can take full advantage of it for the game back in Serbia.

Exciting days for them. A few NRL stars have been in their initial squad.

Is this the first time Wales have been covered by S4C? It feels like the coverage alone gives Wales leverage in getting additional media coverage.

I know S4C covers state of origin. Last year the European Cup was on live stream.

[Yakstorm]

S4C did broadcast a few Crusaders games in their really early days, back when the National League's weren't included in the Sky deal.

Last time the Dragons was on it was 1995.

A great outcome for the Welsh. Hopefully the ratings are strong enough Wales can get future games on S4C.

[brooza]

This is great news, and the earlier kick off time means it is now possible to go by train from Wrexham and get back on the same day.

Had it always been scheduled like this i could have made it to Ireland v Jamaica the following day

[welshmagpie]

It would be nice for S4C to sign a 'growth deal with Walea RL'

2017 say involves live coverage of the Big Welsh Derby and a home international (if there is one).

2018 another South Wales home game.

2019 another international game, even if it is away from home.

[TheLegendOfTexEvans]

It would be nice for S4C to sign a 'growth deal with Walea RL'

2017 say involves live coverage of the Big Welsh Derby and a home international (if there is one).

2018 another South Wales home game.

2019 another international game, even if it is away from home.

 

 

Make sense to me and playing against a domestic ireland team would help both countries.

 

Ireland needs affordable International fixtures to encourage people to want to play in its League.

 

Genuine international fixture for the Irish gets newspaper coverage.

 

 

It also helps with the BBC's attitude to Rugby League in Wales.  So its important to get a healthy crowd for internationals as well.

 

But with limited resources Wales seem to be making ground.  

[damp squib]

Serbia RL seem reasonably media savvy so I wonder if they can persuade a Serbian network to buy the feed from S4C?