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The TV channel for Wales’ clash with the Barbarians in June has been confirmed
S4C will exclusively show Wales’ match against the Barbarians next month, meaning that every match played by Steve Tandy’s side up to the end of 2028 is set to be broadcast on free-to-air.
The Welsh language channel have announced they will broadcast the double-header between Wales and the Barbarians on June 27, with the women’s side taking on the Baa-Baas ahead of the men’s match at Twickenham. There will be English and Welsh language commentary, with the match available on S4C, S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and S4C’s YouTube channel.
Sarra Elgan will present both matches, with Lauren Salter, Gareth Charles, Ken Owens, Elinor Snowsill and Siwan Lillicrap all part of the broadcast team.
Wales take on the Barbarians as a warm-up for their maiden Nations Champions campaign, with Tests against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa to follow in July.
Typically, summer Tests involving SANZAAR nations – Australia, Argentina and New Zealand – have been broadcast by Sky Sports.
Tours in Argentina have differed slightly. Channel 4 broadcast Wales’ last trip there in 2018, but TNT Sports had the rights to England’s tour there last year.
However, with traditional summer tours being replaced by a wide-reaching competition overseen by World Rugby, ITV have stepped in to broadcast the new Nations Championship.
As such, Wales’ summer matches – as well as the autumn fixtures against Japan, Australia and New Zealand – will be broadcast on free-to-air.
ITV have the rights for the first two editions of the Nations Champions – taking place in 2026 and 2028. They also hold the broadcast rights for the 2027 World Cup warm-up matches and the 2029 autumn series.
It’s likely they’ll show next year’s World Cup in Australia.
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With the Six Nations remaining on free-to-air, Welsh fans will be able to watch the national team without paying until at least the end of 2028.
Depending on where Wales tour the following year in a British and Irish Lions year, it’s probable that 2029 will also see Wales’ full fixture list shown on terrestrial television.
Speaking about the deal for S4C to exclusively show the Barbarians double-header, Welsh Rugby Union chief commercial officer Tomos Grace said: “We’re delighted that S4C will bring coverage of the Barbarians v Wales at Twickenham to supporters across the country and beyond.
“This fixture is always a celebration of rugby’s spirit and tradition, and it’s fantastic that fans will be able to enjoy it free-to-air, with comprehensive Welsh-language coverage at its heart alongside English provision, which is hugely important for the game in Wales.
“We look forward to what promises to be a memorable summer occasion for Welsh rugby.”
S4C’s head of sport, Sue Butler, added: “We are delighted to have secured the exclusive broadcast rights to this double‑header, bringing Wales together with the Barbarians for a special day of summer rugby. These fixtures promise a great Wales day out, and we’re pleased that S4C’s coverage will be available across all platforms.
“This agreement underlines S4C’s commitment to delivering premium live sport exclusively to audiences across Wales and the UK, in both Welsh and English, and to showcasing the very best of international rugby on a global stage.”
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