Wales Rugby League have announced that S4C will be the broadcast partners for the Big Welsh Derby match on Sunday 10th May when South Wales Scorpions take on North Wales Crusaders at Cardiff Arms Park (kick-off 3pm).
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.
S4C last showed matches at this level in 2007 and 2008 when the old Celtic Crusaders were based in Bridgend but more recently showed highlights of the NRL Grand Final last year.
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 said: “This is a big step forward for Rugby League in Wales and a great opportunity to showcase the game across the country.
“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 adds: “Domestic television coverage through the Welsh language channel S4C is fantastic news for Rugby League and another indication the sport is progressing in Wales. 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.”
Sue Butler, S4C Sports Rights Editor said: “S4C has a proud record over the years of broadcasting Rugby League coverage from Wales, UK and beyond.
“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.”
The Big Welsh Derby day at Cardiff Arms Park starts at 9am and also features junior matches between East Wales and West Wales at both under 14 and under 15 level with newly merged club Cardiff City RL opening the 2015 Welsh Conference season when they take on last year’s league leaders Aber Valley Wolves. Cardiff’s reserve side are also in action as they take on Valley Cougars reserves.
