By Jack Cook
WELSH rugby fans have reacted with dismay after BBC flagship programme Scrum V posted on social media about their excitement for the upcoming Six Nations.
The annual tournament kicks off in 11 days time, with Wayne Pivac’s Wales facing Italy at the Principality Stadium in their opening match on February 1.
Since the World Cup finished in November, regional and club rugby has taken centre stage.
The Scrum V twitter tweet stated: “Anyone else just here waiting for the Six Nations to start like” with a GIF of WWE star Stone Cold Steve Austin looking at his wrist checking the time.
Fans were unhappy at what they perceived to be a suggestion that a hiatus in the domestic game cannot come quickly enough. Critics claimed the message was insulting.
You really know how to help the game in Wales don’t you? Scarlets and Dragons have just qualified for 1/4 finals of Euro comps, there’s club games, 1/4 national cup competitions this weekend and all you can think about is waiting for 6N’s? New social content creator required…
— Rhydian Cole (@iamrhyd) January 20, 2020
Funny, I've watched 3 games live and two on the telly since Friday. Go and support your local club – men's, women or youth rugby – it's the same sport and probably better beer.
— Gareth Hawkins (@GarethHawkinsLG) January 20, 2020
This is why Rugby isn’t taken seriously most of the year and why football is the true national sport of Wales. There’s rugby games on every week but even the dedicated rugby accounts only seem to care about the 7 or 8 international games a year.
— Ian 🏴 (@ianmackay88) January 20, 2020
No, I've been watching my local side which play less than a mile from my house thanks. Support and promote local, domestic and regional rugby please!
— Gareth Owen (@garethowenwales) January 20, 2020
No because there is more to rugby that just Six Nations
— Nett (@NettThom) January 19, 2020
No because there is more to rugby that just Six Nations
— Nett (@NettThom) January 19, 2020
Even BBC broadcaster Phil Steele had his say on the matter by replying “Not really I also love watching and reporting on Regional and Club rugby without which there would be no such thing as The Six Nations.”
Not really – I also love watching and reporting on Regional and Club rugby without which there would be no such thing as The Six Nations. 😉 https://t.co/wDFFE5jaok
— Phil Steele (@philsteele1) January 20, 2020
Wales Online’s Simon Thomas also weighed by stating if Wales Online had been responsible for the tweet he wouldn’t like to think of the grief that would have been received from fans.
I am just trying to imagine the kind of grief @WalesRugby would get if we tweeted this. https://t.co/qYsKCkE6eb
— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) January 20, 2020
The BBC will once again share coverage of the Six Nations with ITV.
Wales v Italy (kick-off 2.15pm) will be shown by the Beeb on the opening weekend, as will the Sunday clash between France and England in Paris (3pm).
ITV will screen Ireland’s meeting with Scotland in Dublin later on Saturday (kick-off 4.45pm)
