The Welsh Rugby Union has announced an agreement with UK public-service broadcaster the BBC which guarantees live coverage of Wales’ autumn international matches on terrestrial television until the end of 2018.
The new deal is the first of its kind to stipulate that all Wales international matches in the autumn period will be aired by the BBC.
It also covers one-off Test matches, such as home fixtures played in June before a summer tour, but precludes any games scheduled during the warm-up period for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Match footage will be shown via the BBC’s online and interactive services, while the WRU will make footage available on its own platforms.
The WRU said the contract also includes an option for Welsh-language channel S4C to show live international matches simultaneously with BBC transmissions.
Additionally, the WRU intends to ensure autumn internationals are scheduled as Saturday afternoon kick-offs from next year.