Defending Super Rygbi Cymru champions Newport will have the honour of hosting Llandovery in front of the S4C cameras at Newport Stadium in the first televised game of the season when the new campaign kicks off on Friday 12 September.
The Welsh Rugby Union’s broadcast partners S4C along with Whisper Cymru, have significantly increased the coverage for the forthcoming season, ensuring every round will be covered either on S4C or S4Cclic and on YouTube.
The broadcast schedule is confirmed up to Round 14, while rounds 15 through to the Grand Final will be announced in the New Year.
Head of Sport, S4C, Sue Butler said: “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.
“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.”
WRU National Lead (Player development and pathways), John Alder, added: “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.
“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 given the addition of Friday night rugby a big thumbs up as he prepares his side to defend the SRC crown against the Drovers.
“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.
“I think it’s really good and moving the game forward particularly over the next few years these Friday night games are crucial,” he said.
As defending champions Morris says his side are fully aware teams will be aiming to lower their colours.
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,” he said.
“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.”
