S4C’s feast of rugby begins with Wales’ Under 18s

22.07.15

Owain Pennar

Contact

Phone 029 2074 1416

Press Article

S4C’s feast of rugby begins with Wales’ Under 18s

S4C will launch its comprehensive Rugby World Cup 2015 service with a Rugby Week on the channel from Monday, 10 August. Before that rugby fans will be able to follow the fortunes of Wales’ Under 18s in a tournament in South Africa with the opening game against the host country on Friday, 7 August.

In Rygbi Dan 18: De Affrica v Cymru viewers will be able to see Wales’ players of the future in the first game of three in the South Africa Rugby Football Union Under 18 Championship. Highlights of all three games will be shown on S4C – against a second South Africa team on Saturday, 15 August and against Italy’s Under 18s on Tuesday, 11 August.

Morgan Isaac will present the programmes with commentary by Alun Jenkins and Steff Hughes. According to Morgan, Wales’ Under 18s will have more than one point to prove in the three games. “Wales lost heavily against South Africa in the same tournament last year and it’ll be quite an achievement if Wales beat either or both of South Africa’s A and B teams this time such is the strength of the squad.

“Wales lost 14-13 to Italy back in March in the European Under 18 Championship in Toulouse so Wales will have a point to prove against Italy as well. Also in March, Wales beat England – the first time they’d done so at this age level since 2007. “The European Under 18 Championship can be full of surprises. This year, for example, Georgia reached the final against France winning in the earlier rounds only through penalty shoot-outs.”

As the presenter of youth rugby on S4C, including the series Rygbi Pawb, Morgan is ideally placed to judge the development of Wales’ stars of the future. “It’s an interesting time for the squad with the appointment of two full-time coaches, Geraint Lewis and Jason Strange, now in charge. One of the players who’s made an impact recently is fly-half Billy McBryde, son of Wales’ national team forwards’ coach, Robin McBryde. Billy is sure to be a star of the future.”

The tournament in South Africa is “one big celebration,” according to Morgan and large crowds are expected for Wales’ three games in Stellenbosch, George and Cape Town.

Rygbi Dan 18: De Affrica v Cymru

Friday 7 August 10.30, S4C

Website: s4c.cymru

An SMS production for S4C

Rygbi Dan 18: Cymru v Yr Eidal

Tuesday 11 August 9.30, S4C

Rygbi Dan 18: De Affrica v Cymru

Saturday 15 August 10.00, S4C