S4C Extends ‘Historic’ Free-to-Air Partnership with Vodacom United Rugby Championship Until 2027

S4C extends partnership with Vodacom United Rugby Championship

S4C has announced the extension of its long-standing partnership with the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC), ensuring that the competition will remain available on free-to-air television in the UK until 2027.

The Welsh language broadcaster holds the unique distinction of having televised the league every season since its inception as the Celtic League in 2001. Now celebrating its 25th year, S4C will continue its commitment to Welsh rugby with 20 live broadcasts featuring the Welsh regions, alongside deferred coverage of a further 18 fixtures.

Legacy of Growth

The renewal follows a period of significant growth for the URC. Across the first four seasons of the Vodacom-branded competition, the league has attracted a combined television audience of 173 million. The addition of South Africa’s four powerhouse franchises has not only intensified competitiveness but also boosted global fan engagement.

Recognising the importance of accessibility, S4C has also confirmed that all live matches will be streamed via its YouTube channel (S4C Chwaraeon), while additional coverage will remain available on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer. Supporters will have the choice of both Welsh and English commentary across platforms, ensuring inclusivity for diverse audiences.

Leaders Welcome Renewal

Martin Anayi, CEO of the United Rugby Championship, hailed the continuation of a landmark relationship.

“Our partnership with S4C holds so much value due to their belief in the league from day one. They saw the vision initially held by the Celtic League and embraced our expansion to Italy and then South Africa. They have showcased the extraordinary moments and backed us in the toughest of times.

They have broadcast the crowning of Scarlets and Ospreys championship teams, and for a quarter century they have focused their cameras on legends of the Welsh and international game who have gone toe-to-toe in our league.

As a league, we are grateful to ensure that free-to-air coverage of the Vodacom URC continues across the UK and Ireland thanks to this extension with S4C, and the renewal with TG4 which we announced a few months ago.”

Sue Butler, S4C’s Head of Sport, described the extension as vital for Welsh rugby fans:

“We are delighted to renew our commitment to live Vodacom URC coverage from September. S4C has always been there for the Welsh regions, with free-to-air coverage that is vital for the game in Wales. We’re looking forward to following the progress of the Welsh regions, with both Welsh and English commentary available on all our platforms for the new season.”

What Fans Can Expect

In addition to free-to-air coverage, fans will benefit from a host of digital features including:

• Every Vodacom URC game live up to and including the Final
• English commentary on all matches
• iOS and Android apps with casting to TV
• Full-match replays on demand
• 3- and 7-minute highlight packages available on URC TV

Key Fixtures on S4C – 2025/26 Season

• R1: Sat, Sept 27 – Cardiff Rugby v Lions (19:45)
• R2: Fri, Oct 3 – Dragons RFC v Hollywoodbets Sharks (20:05)
• R3: Fri, Oct 10 – Scarlets v DHL Stormers (19:45)
• R3: Sat, Oct 11 – Cardiff Rugby v Connacht (19:45)
• R4: Fri, Oct 17 – Dragons RFC v Cardiff Rugby (19:45)
• R5: Sat, Oct 25 – Cardiff Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby (19:45)
• R6: Sat, Nov 29 – Scarlets v Glasgow Warriors (19:45)
• R7: Sat, Dec 20 – Ospreys v Munster (17:30)
• R8: Fri, Dec 26 – Scarlets v Ospreys (17:30)
• R9: Thu, Jan 1 – Dragons RFC v Scarlets (15:00)
• R10: Fri, Jan 23 – Ospreys v Lions (19:45)
• R11: Fri, Jan 30 – Benetton v Scarlets (19:45)
• R11: Sat, Jan 31 – Ospreys v Dragons RFC (19:45)
• R12: Fri, Feb 27 – Cardiff Rugby v Leinster (19:45)
• R13: Fri, Mar 20 – Scarlets v Zebre Parma (19:45)
• R14: Sat, Mar 28 – Leinster v Scarlets (17:30)
• R15: Fri, Apr 17 – Dragons RFC v Vodacom Bulls (19:45)
• R16: Fri, Apr 24 – Cardiff Rugby v Ospreys (19:45)
• R17: Fri, May 8 – Glasgow Warriors v Cardiff Rugby (19:45)
• R18: Sat, May 16 – Scarlets v Dragons RFC (17:15)

With this renewal, S4C cements its position as the home of free-to-air Vodacom URC coverage in Wales, ensuring fans can continue to enjoy the drama, rivalries, and passion of one of rugby’s premier competitions — all the way through to 2027.