Welsh clubs in dispute over TV coverage
By Scrum's Celtic Nations Editor, Jonathan McConnell
August 2, 2000

Leading Welsh clubs have been told to come into line by the WRU following their complaints at S4C's attempts to move fixtures on the opening few weeks of the Celtic League programme.

Reports in the South Wales Evening Post claim that the Welsh language broadcaster, who have a £14 million deal to televise Welsh games required clubs to switch fixtures to Friday evening or late on Saturday as they are already broadcasting cricket on the first two Saturday's of the league season.

One club who are effected are Pontypridd who were asked to move their opener at Sardis Road, scheduled for 2.30pm on Saturday 26th August, to Friday evening. However Ponty have refused too switch the game, against Swansea, and also are unwilling to stage the game with a 6pm kick off on the Saturday.

Cardiff have also sided with Pontypridd, objecting to their game against Edinburgh being moved the following weekend.

Pontypridd chief executive Cenydd Thomas told the Evening Post said: "Unless it's legally binding under the terms of the TV contract to play at the time and date set by the union and the broadcasters then the game with Swansea will go ahead at 2.30pm on Saturday, August 26."

However the Union are siding with their broadcasters, with a spokesman claiming, "The WRU and the broadcasters decide on kick-off times and individual clubs do not have the right to put the TV contract in jeopardy. The clubs will realise themselves they have an obligation to fulfil. S4C have made a commitment that no one club will be unduly affected by live TV in the early weeks of the season."

© Scrum.com

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