Rugby Six Nations TV paywall plan a ‘cruel blow’ say Welsh politicians

Plaid and Lib Dem politicians are renewing calls to stop Welsh rugby fans being priced out of watching the game.

A deal between the Six Nations and CVC Capital partners is said to have been agreed, and it is thought that the majority of games might move behind a paywall. It is not yet clear whether S4C will be able to continue to show any of the games.

Plaid Cymru’s Sports Spokesperson, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said: “There are many in Wales who do not have the luxury of being able to afford to pay to watch sport on television. With current coronavirus regulations, it’s not simply a matter of watching the game in the pub, or popping to a friend’s house to view together – if you can’t afford to pay to view, you will not see it.

“Rugby is such an important part of Welsh culture, and the renewal of play during the pandemic has been respite for many. To place a paywall between the Welsh public and their rugby will be a cruel blow at what is already a difficult time. With no indoor mixing between households, pubs remaining closed, and fans banned from live games, this paywall will be an insurmountable barrier to many.”

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds said: “The Six Nations and their predecessors have been a staple of Welsh life for generations.

“Any move to remove these games from free to view TV will come as a bitter blow to hundreds of thousands of loyal fans.

“The Six Nations have previously been classed as a ‘Group A’ sporting event, along with the Olympics and FIFA World Cup Finals meaning they need to be shown on free to air channels. I’m today calling on the UK Government to urgently confirm that no fans in Wales will be penalised by any deal.”