Just days away from the first Test, there
BBC Wales and S4C will each show one of Wales’ summer Tests from their tour of Japan next month – with the coverage being announced just days before Wales take on the Brave Blossoms.
The first Test in Kitakyushu on July 5 will be shown on BBC One Wales, while the second Test the following week in Kobe will be broadcast by S4C. The first Test will kick-off at 6am UK time, with the second Test being slightly later at 6.50am.
It’s understood S4C’s coverage of the second Test will have English-language commentary available on the red button.
With the eight-hour time difference, Wales will be kicking off in the middle of the afternoon in Japan – with temperatures likely to be just above 30°C in Kitakyushu this weekend.
WalesOnline understands that the BBC did try to move the kick-off back so that it wouldn’t be so early in the UK.
However, Brave Blossoms coach Eddie Jones has remained steadfast on the 2pm and 2.50pm local kick-off times.
The former England and Australia coach promised to “really run Wales off their feet” in the heat.
The British and Irish Lions tour of Australia – with their warm-up matches against the Waratahs and Invitational AU & NZ side both on the same day as Wales’ Tests in Japan – also made moving the kick-off time complicated, with the Lions matches kicking off at 11am UK time.
An announcement had been expected on a TV deal last week, although the situation with the kick-off time is understood to have delayed things. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack for the exclusive five-week tour diary from Wales in Japan and the Lions in Australia.
A joint statement read: “BBC Cymru Wales and S4C have announced a new broadcast deal for the live free-to-air rights for the men’s two-Test tour of Japan this July.
“The first match takes place at the Mikuni World Stadium in Kitakyushu on Saturday 5 July (KO 6am) and will be broadcast live on BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer, with coverage starting at 5:45am.
“The second Test takes place at the Noevir Stadium in Kobe on Saturday 12 July (KO 6:50am), and will be broadcast live on S4C, S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer from 6:30am. English language commentary will also be available on S4C Clic and on TV via the red button.
“Sarra Elgan will present both games across the BBC and S4C. Commentary on Scrum V Live will be provided by Gareth Rhys Owen and Richie Rees, with guests including Alun Wyn Jones and Rhys Patchell.
“On S4C, Ken Owens and Rhys Patchell will join Sarra Elgan for Clwb Rygbi, with commentary from Cennydd Davies and Gwyn Jones. Gareth Rhys Owen and Richie Rees will be on the Red Button.
Sarra Elgan said: “It’s a privilege to be part of the coverage for Wales’ summer series in Japan across both BBC and S4C.
“These matches are a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience ahead of an all important Autumn season. Wales may not have had the results they wanted recently, but there’s still plenty to be encouraged by and a chance to grow as a group.
“This tour is a chance for individuals to develop and make an impression. I’m looking forward to bringing the action, insights, and atmosphere to supporters back home, whether they’re watching in English or Welsh.”
Abi Tierney, CEO of Welsh Rugby Union, said: “We’re delighted to confirm BBC Cymru Wales and S4C as our broadcast partners for the senior men’s international summer tour to Japan.
“This partnership ensures our supporters can follow every moment of the action, whether they’re watching in English or Welsh. It’s especially important to us that we continue to champion the Welsh language and culture through our coverage, helping to bring the passion of Welsh rugby to audiences all over the world.”
This is the second year in a row that a summer tour in Japan has seen the TV broadcast deal go down to the wire.
Last year, England played a Test in Japan before their two-Test tour of New Zealand.
However, no broadcaster came forward to cover the Test before RugbyPass ultimately ended up showing the match.
