S4C to stream Wales U20 Six Nations games live on YouTube for the first time — as ITV sparks fan fury with mid‑match ads

The broadcaster has struck a new four‑year deal with Six Nations Rugby, giving viewers more ways than ever to follow Wales — just as ITV finds itself under fire for showing in‑game adverts during matches for the first time in UK broadcasting history.

U20 matches go live on YouTube — with Welsh and English commentary

S4C will stream every Wales U20 match live on its S4C Chwaraeon YouTube channel, alongside its usual coverage on TV, S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer.

It’s the first time the age‑grade tournament has been available across all S4C platforms, and fans can choose between Welsh‑language and English‑language commentary.

The move sits alongside S4C’s full Six Nations package, which includes:

• All five Wales matches in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations
• All five Wales matches in the U20 Six Nations
• Extended highlights of every Wales fixture in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations

Sarra Elgan fronts the men’s coverage, with Gareth Charles on commentary and Lauren Jenkins reporting. A heavyweight line‑up of analysts includes Jonathan Davies, Stephen Jones, Ken Owens, Robin McBryde, Sioned Harries and Jamie Roberts.

For the U20s, Lloyd Lewis presents, with commentary from Rhodri Gomer, Gruff McKee and Dave Rogers.

Players: ‘It means the world’

Scarlets captain Josh Macleod said the squad is focused on building momentum throughout the championship.

“The main focus is to build on the autumns and try to perform every week,” he said. “The supporters mean the world — we can hear them from the stands.”

Wales hooker Ryan Elias said the tournament still feels “as special as ever”.

“It was a dream for me growing up,” he said. “Everyone is at the top of their game in the Six Nations — it’s fierce.”

Meanwhile… ITV blasted for showing adverts during live matches

ITV’s new split‑screen ad format during the Six Nations, showing a Samsung commercial running alongside live match coverage — a move that’s sparked a fierce reaction from rugby fans.

S4C’s announcement comes as ITV faces a backlash for introducing split‑screen adverts during live Six Nations games — a UK first that has left many fans furious.

During the opening match between France and Ireland, viewers were stunned when a Samsung advert appeared on the right‑hand side of the screen while the game continued on the left.

The broadcaster will show two 20‑second ads per match, one in each half, during breaks in play before scrums.

But supporters have slammed the move as “a shambles”, “a new low”, and “turning the Six Nations into American TV”.

One fan wrote: “ITV should never be allowed to show a Six Nations game again.” Another joked: “Can we not send people to jail for this?”

ITV says the format is needed to help fund its share of the £63m‑a‑year broadcast deal, and insists the ads will only appear during natural stoppages.

A big year for Welsh rugby fans

With S4C widening access to Wales matches — and ITV’s new ad format dividing opinion — this year’s Six Nations is already making headlines off the pitch as well as on it.

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