Welsh language channel S4C has secured the rights to continue to broadcast live Wales Six Nations games for a further four years.

S4C’s Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol will bring live coverage, analysis, starting with Ireland v Wales on February 5th in the first round of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations tournament.

Catrin Heledd, Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol host, said: "This is fantastic news for Welsh rugby. For a great many Wales supporters, it is the highlight of the rugby calendar. It is a privilege to be part of it and to be able to bring Welsh language coverage to viewers at home.

"Wales are the reigning champions and the competition is as fierce as ever. We hope you can join us in Dublin for the opener."

Coverage of games in English of Wales games will shown by the BBC and ITV.

Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol, which is produced by BBC Wales, will also show two of Wales’s matches in the 2022 women’s Six Nations and three in the 2022 Under 20’s Six Nations.

Sue Butler, S4C Sports commissioner, said: "The Guinness Six Nations is an international rugby championship with unrivalled passion and excitement, and we are delighted to continue our long association with it.

"This new agreement completes a portfolio of rugby union on S4C which stretches from colleges, Premiership clubs, regional in the URC and Europe, to international rugby. S4C is pleased to support our national teams and Welsh rugby across the board."

"S4C play an integral part in supporting Welsh rugby from our club game, to our professional sides, our pathway teams and both our men’s and women’s international sides and we are very grateful for their continued backing in all of these areas."

Chief executive of the WRU, Steve Phillips, said: "The provision of Welsh language broadcasting is a vital part of our strategy for the whole game in Wales and we warmly welcome this news from S4C.

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"S4C play an integral part in supporting Welsh rugby from our club game, to our professional sides, our pathway teams and both our men’s and women’s international sides and we are very grateful for their continued backing in all of these areas."

S4C no longer has the rights to show live Wales autumn international games. The recent series of Wales games were aired by Amazon Prime, which did provide a Welsh language commentary option. S4C were though able to show extended highlights.