By Haydn Evans
WELSH rugby fans have hit out at the removal of the upcoming autumn Test series from free-to-air television – though some are also not surprised.
Amazon Prime Video have announced they will be dropping S4C from producing Welsh language coverage of Wales’ Autumn fixtures, opting to provide the Welsh language option themselves for the first time.
For Wales’ Autumn Nations Cup fixtures last year, despite English language commentary being on Amazon Prime, the games were available on S4C. However, this autumn both English and Welsh speakers will have to pay to subscribe to Amazon Prime Video, where they can watch Wales’ games against New Zealand, South Africa, Fiji and Australia as well as a number of other internationals.
Reaction to the news on social media has been mixed with a large proportion of fans angry at the decision. They fear some won’t be able to pay the subscription and that some elderly people may not have the technical skills to get Amazon.
Julie Mulcahy on Facebook said: “Terrible! Why do we always have to suffer? Rugby is our national sport and we all have the right to watch it on TV.
“These big companies think they rule the world, well I want to tell them get a life and think of the elderly people who only have terrestrial TV, not everyone wants Amazon Prime or Sky Sports or even BT Sport. We want what is our right and that’s to watch our sport on our TV, end of.”
Money money money people don't matter anymore it will kill the game in Wales with people unable to pay these price's all the time .
— Idwal Clements (@ClementsIdwal) October 12, 2021
Idwal Clements on twitter said: “Money, money, money – people don’t matter anymore. It will kill the game in Wales with people unable to pay these prices all the time”.
There is however, a number of people that support the move hoping that the money Amazon are paying will help improve the national side, regions and grassroots clubs.
“Why is this a shock? Costs are going up, running the stadium for games is going up, the only way they can keep a revenue is upping ticket prices and making companies bid for the games,” said Scott Bevan on Facebook.
“I get it should be on free to air tv but if they aren’t prepared to pay what someone else is willing to, they won’t get them.”
Whilst Ian Williams on twitter highlighted the other benefits you get paying for Amazon Prime Video.
He said: “To be fair it’s a good deal if you do sign up, you get all the rugby, plus all the other prime Video programmes and films and free next day delivery and returns with Amazon., The biggest drawback I see is for the people (probably of the older generation) that have no internet”.
Despite not being able to watch the games live, those who won’t be pay for Amazon Prime Video will be able to watch the highlights of the game on S4C after the event.
To be fair it’s a good deal if you do sign up, you get all the rugby, plus all the other Prime Video programmes and films and free next day delivery and returns with Amazon. The biggest drawback I see is for the people (probably of the older generation) who have no internet.
— Ian Martin Williams (@DGR1978) October 12, 2021
Managing director of Prime Video Sport Europe, Alex Green, told Wales Online: “We are always looking to offer more choice to Prime members in how they are able to watch live sport on Prime Video and it was important for us to deliver a Welsh-language feed for the autumn Nations Series.
“This additional viewing experience will bring our world-class production to Welsh language households across the UK, whether they are watching live, catching up on-demand or viewing the highlights on S4C.”
Amazon’s Welsh language team will comprise of presenter Owain Gwynedd, commentator Gareth Charles and guests Shane Williams, Nigel Owens, Nicky Robinson, Gwyn Jones and Sioned Harries all of which have worked for S4C in the past.
Wales kick off their autumn international fixtures on Saturday 30th October when they welcome the All Blacks to a sold-out Principality Stadium.