The latest rugby news and headlines from Wales and beyond
16:55, 15 Oct 2025Updated 17:04, 15 Oct 2025
A television cameraman keeps a close eye on play during a Six Nations match between Wales and England(Image: Getty Images)
Here are your rugby evening headlines for Wednesday, October 15.
Six Nations TV deal announced
S4C has confirmed a new four-year agreement with Six Nations Rugby to broadcast Welsh-language coverage of the Six Nations Championships from 2026.
The deal will see the channel broadcast all five of Wales’ matches in both the men’s Six Nations and U20s Six Nations, while they will show extended highlights of every Wales Women’s Six Nations match.
The announcement comes as S4C prepares to broadcast all of Wales’ autumn Tests live.
“As the home of Welsh sport, we’re delighted to have agreed this new partnership with Six Nations Rugby, strengthening our commitment to Welsh-language coverage of rugby at every level,” said S4C’s head of sport, Sue Butler.
“Alongside our live coverage of the Quilter Nations Series, this agreement ensures that Welsh audiences can continue to enjoy world-class rugby, from the senior sides to the next generation of talent.”
Tom Harrison, Chief Executive Officer at Six Nations Rugby, added: “The Six Nations is one of the most loved annual occasions in the sporting calendar, and carries real cultural significance for fans in Wales, so we are proud to continue working with S4C to provide free-to-air Welsh language coverage of the Championship for the next four years.
“We are committed to driving the growth of the Women’s Six Nations, as well as our successful pathway competition; the U20 Six Nations, and the partnership with S4C is a key part of that strategy, as another route to engage with these tournaments.”
Welsh coach shares thoughts with Tandy on WRU’s plan
Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia is confident the Welsh Rugby Union will make the correct decision on the number of professional teams.
In August the WRU’s executive team announced its preference to reduce the number of professional teams from four to two. A Professional Rugby Board meeting was held today and a decision on the number of teams will be decided by the WRU board at the end of this month.
Despite the uncertainty Tiatia is confident they will reach the right decision. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
“It’ll be interesting to see if the WRU decide if it’s two teams,” said the Dragons boss.
“I definitely have an opinion about two teams. But it’s important for the future of this game that they make the right decisions. I’ve shared my thoughts with Tandy and I’ll leave it there.
“The biggest thing is I know at the end of the day they’ll make the right choice for what’s right for Wales and the people in this country.
“But it’s a decision that needs to be really thought of.
“I know they’ve gone through consultation and been really deliberate around listening.
“That’s what they are saying to the people but also how they move forward is really important.
Ireland captain returns after missing Lions tour
Returning head coach Andy Farrell has included captain Caelan Doris in his Ireland squad for the autumn internationals, but Joe McCarthy misses out.
Doris missed this summer’s Lions tour, having undergone surgery on his shoulder in May. The No. 8 has returned to training with Leinster, but it’s unclear if he’ll be fit to face the All Blacks in Chicago next month.
Second-row McCarthy is not included after failing to recover from a foot injury picked up against the Wallabies while with the Lions this summer. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
He joins fellow Lions tourist Hugo Keenan on the sidelines, with the full-back not involved after undergoing hip surgery.
McCarthy’s younger brother – Leinster prop Paddy – is the only uncapped player in the 34-man squad, but uncapped Munster duo Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson will travel to America for the New Zealand Test as cover along with one-cap Connacht wing Shayne Bolton.
Ireland also take on Japan, Australia and world champions South Africa this autumn.
“There’s an exciting look to the panel and there’s an opportunity for the more experienced players and for those who made their debuts on the summer tour to Georgia and Portugal,” said Farrell, who returns to Ireland duty after taking a sabbatical to lead the Lions tour to Australia.
England star pens new deal
By PA Sport
England fly-half George Ford has committed his long-term future to Sale by signing a new three-year contract.
Ford had two spells at Leicester, winning the Premiership title in 2013, as well as a stint at Bath before joining the Sharks ahead of the 2022/23 season.
“It’s brilliant to have the contract agreed. I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I’ve loved representing the north,” Ford said on the Sale website.
“I’m proud to represent the region and the people up here and I want to inspire the next generation.
“With the players and the coaches that we have here I feel like I can still improve and be challenged as a player. I feel the best place for me to do that is right here.”
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