Why Wales' autumn rugby fixtures won't be on free TV and what Amazon's Welsh coverage will look like

121021 Wales autumn internationals
Credit: PA

There will be no free-to-air live TV coverage of Wales' autumn rugby internationals for the first time ever, with Amazon Prime set to provide Welsh language commentary for the fixtures.

Wales is preparing to host New Zealand, South Africa, Fiji and Australia in Cardiff but many fans will have to find a new way to enjoy the regular autumn fixture.

Last year Wales' autumn games were broadcast live on Amazon Prime in English and on S4C in Welsh.

It's understood the streaming giant was surprised at how many people opted to watch through the Welsh medium instead of paying to watch their English language coverage.

Wales' opening autumn fixture will see them face New Zealand for the first time since the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Credit: PA

As main rights-holders, Amazon Prime Video announced in August they would broadcast 17 of this autumn’s 20 internationals.

This year Amazon Prime has also opted to provide its own Welsh language broadcast which means fans will have to pay if they want to watch live.

Alex Green, managing director of Prime Video Sport Europe, said: "We are always looking to offer more choice to Prime members in how they are able to watch live sport on Prime Video and it was important for us to deliver a Welsh-language feed for the Autumn Nations Series.

"This additional viewing experience will bring our world-class production to Welsh language households across the UK, whether they are watching live, catching up on-demand or viewing the highlights on S4C."

Their coverage will be lead by Owain Gwynedd, with Gareth Charles on commentary.

Ex-Wales internationals Shane Williams, Nicky Robinson, Gwyn Jones and Sioned Harries, plus retired referee Nigel Owens, will also be part of the Amazon team.

Wales head into the autumn internationals as Six Nations and Triple Crown Champions. Credit: PA

S4C misses out on having the four games live but will instead settle for broadcasting Welsh language highlights of each match.

Commenting on the deal with Amazon Prime, Sue Butler, S4C Sports Commissioner, said: "S4C is delighted to partner with Amazon Prime to ensure comprehensive Welsh language coverage of the Autumn Nations Series for our audiences.

"As the only free-to-air broadcaster with extended same day highlights of every Wales game in the Autumn Nations Series, we'll be on the air an hour after the final whistle of the matches with all the action and reaction. We look forward to you joining us."

Where can I watch Wales' autumn internationals?

Wales will host the southern hemisphere opposition at the Principality Stadium for the first time in three years.

The stadium will be at full capacity but supporters will have to provide a Covid Pass to attend.

All four fixtures will be shown live on Amazon Prime - with the platform offering both English and Welsh commentary - and highlights will be available an hour after the end of each match on S4C.

Sarra Elgan will front S4C's coverage with Shane Williams, Gwyn Jones, and Nigel Owens offering match analysis.

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Who are Wales' autumn opponents and when will they play?

  • Wales v New Zealand - Sat 30th Oct

  • Wales v South Africa - Sat 6th Nov

  • Wales v Fiji - Sun 14th Nov

  • Wales v Australia - Sat 20th Nov