S4C will be showing one match from each round of the new Super Rygbi Cymru seasonThe Super Rygbi Cymru coverage will be ramped up this season(Image: Ian WIlliams/Huw Evans Agency)

S4C have revealed their broadcast schedule for the first 14 rounds of Super Rygbi Cymru as part of a significant increase in coverage for the league.

S4C and Whisper Cymru have announced every round of the upcoming campaign, which kicks off next month, will be covered on S4C, S4C Clic or YouTube. The coverage starts with defending champions Newport’s clash with Llandovery on Friday, September 12.

As well as the usual Thursday night slot for SRC matches, the channel will also show some matches on Friday nights and Saturday evenings.

The broadcast schedule for the first 14 rounds have been confirmed, with the remaining televised matches for the season to be announced in the new year.

“S4C are delighted to be returning as the SRC’s broadcast partner, bringing our flagship domestic rugby competition into the homes and hands of the Welsh public,” said S4C’s head of sport, Sue Butler.

“This season will see a live broadcast game every round, and while Thursday nights remain SRC night, we now also have live matches on several Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as weekly highlights of all SRC matches.”

S4C have yet to confirm their broadcast plans for the United Rugby Championship this season. BBC Wales lost the rights earlier this year, with S4C continuing to negotiate with the league over Welsh language coverage. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.

The majority of the SRC matches in the first half of the season will be available on S4C Clic, with three Saturday matches in late December and early January being broadcast on S4C.

The increase in coverage of the SRC comes just a week after the WRU announced new proposals for Welsh rugby which would see the semi-professional league receive more funding and become a bigger part of the overall plan to turn the game around.

“After a successful inaugural season, on behalf of the WRU, I am delighted and thankful to be continuing our partnership with S4C and Whisper Cymru for the second season of Super Rygbi Cymru, allowing us to continue bringing the best of our emerging talent and domestic rugby in Wales to the home of rugby fans here and abroad,” added Welsh Rugby Union head of player development John Alder.

“The inaugural season saw a 40% increase in TV audiences tuning in to watch the SRC live, and a 30% increase in those streamlining on YouTube while an exciting growth area came from those aged 18-24 tuning into the SRC, which is typically a hard-to-reach demographic for live sport, particularly rugby, as well as a quarter of our audience tuning in from outside Wales.

“This highlights the growing reach and appeal of the SRC. The competition having a public profile is critical to supporting the growth and position of Super Rygbi Cymru, our 10 clubs, and players, as not only the proving ground for the next generation of professional players but also celebrating our traditional battlegrounds, cherished rivalries, and loyal and proud communities.

“With S4C and Whisper Cymru’s support, we will continue to elevate and celebrate all that’s great about Super Rygbi Cymru.”

Newport head coach Ty Morris has welcomed the addition of Friday night rugby as his side prepare to defend their crown.

“I think it’s a great incentive; I’m really excited around the Friday night introduction as it will allow some supporters who train on Thursdays to watch us on a Friday while giving those who normally watch regional rugby on a Saturday an opportunity to come and watch as well,” he said.

“I think it’s really good and moving the game forward particularly over the next few years these Friday night games are crucial.”

He added: “I always feel like we’ve always got a target on our backs to be honest with you. Every game’s tough but I do feel that this year is going to be even more competitive.

“Post-Christmas there was only four teams in it really, I foresee it being a lot more like six to eight teams by the time Christmas is coming in 2026 so it’s important to get a good start but it’s more important to make sure that you’re up in the play-off positions towards the end of the season so that’s what we’ll be aiming to do again for next season.”

S4C Super Rygbi Cymru broadcast schedule

Round 1: Newport v Llandovery – Friday, September 12 – 7.45pm – S4C

Round 2: Cardiff v Carmarthen Quins – Thursday, September 18 – 7.30pm – S4Cclic

Round 3: Bridgend v Aberavon – Thursday, September 25 – 7.30pm – S4Cclic

Round 4: Swansea v Newport – Thursday, October 2 – 7.30pm – S4Cclic

Round 5: Ebbw Vale v Llandovery – Thursday, October 16 – 7.30pm – S4Cclic

Round 6: Llandovery v Bridgend – Thursday, October 23 – 7.30pm – S4Cclic

Round 7: Pontypool v Aberavon – Thursday, October 30 – 7.30pm – S4Cclic

Round 8: Newport v Cardiff – Friday, November 21 – 7.30pm – S4Cclic

Round 9: Ebbw Vale v Carmarthen Quins – Thursday, November 27 – 7.30pm – S4Cclic

Round 10: Aberavon v Ebbw Vale – Thursday, December 4 – 7.30pm – S4Cclic

Round 11: Carmarthen Quins v Cardiff – Thursday, December 11 – 7.30pm – S4Cclic

Round 12: Cardiff v Bridgend – Saturday, December 20 – 5.15pm – S4C

Round 13: RCG v Newport – Saturday, December 27 – 5.15pm – S4C

Round 14: Llandovery v Ebbw Vale – Saturday, January 3 – 5.15pm – S4C