Welsh Lib Dems call for free to air Six Nations

Today (30^th January 2024) the Welsh Liberal Democrats have called for the Six Nations to be granted as a listed sporting event for terrestrial TV.

The call comes as the Welsh Men’s National Rugby team prepares to kickstart their 2024 Six Nations campaign at home against Scotland on Saturday the 3^rd of February.

The tournament is currently included in the group B list meaning that live games can be aired on subscription services providing that highlights are offered to free-to-air channels.

The Welsh Lib Dems are now calling for the Six Nations to be included in the Group A list, protecting its status on terrestrial TV for the foreseeable future.

Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:

“Here in Wales, sport plays a significant role in our cultural heritage and national identity.  

And as a key cornerstone on the international rugby union calendar, the Six Nations championship holds considerable importance to the people of Wales.

The importance of both this tournament and rugby in general to Wales is why we as a party are calling for the immediate addition of the Six Nations to group A of the listed sporting events, protecting its status on terrestrial television for the foreseeable future.

A failure to safeguard such a prestigious tournament on terrestrial television will not only dilute the unique national participatory element felt so palpably in Wales but will also cause long-term damage to a sport hoping to enter a period of renewal.

Whilst it is reassuring that the tournament will remain free to air until 2025 due to pre-existing contracts with terrestrial providers, it is still of the utmost importance that we act now to ensure that this remains the case beyond that date.”