THE Senedd’s sport committee called today for the rugby Six Nations Championship to be protected so that it can remain free for people to watch on television.

Politicians argued that the Six Nations Championship should be moved from being a Group B event to being a Group A as part of the listed events regime under the Broadcasting Act 1996 — which would mean that it would join elite events such as the FA Cup Final, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Women’s Football World Cup and European Championships as protected free-to-air tournaments.

Delyth Jewell MS, chair of the Senedd’s culture, communications, Welsh language, sport, and international relations committee, said: “Rugby in Wales plays a unique role in our national life, and in particular the Six Nations, holds a special place for Welsh audiences. This was never far from our minds when we made the decision to call for it to be protected as a free-to-air tournament.

“We’ve heard loudly and clearly about the challenges the sport faces in terms of reduced playing numbers in Wales. Concerns have equally been raised with us about the effects of placing the tournament behind a paywall and the impact that could have on playing numbers — we were told that ‘if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.’

“Many recognise the damaging effects that have been seen by putting cricket in the UK behind a paywall in 2006. Between 2006 and 2015, there was a 32 per cent reduction in playing numbers. The same cannot be allowed to happen to rugby.

“Growing up, young people in Wales are inspired to take part in sport by watching rugby and it’s essential that the Six Nations tournament stays as accessible as possible.”

The committee also called for the protection of Welsh language broadcasting of the Six Nations, urging the UK government to back the call.

Jewell added: “Welsh language coverage must be offered in full. Providing Welsh language coverage is essential, not only in offering a choice to Welsh speakers, but also to promote the Welsh language to both speakers and learners alike as we work towards Cymraeg 2050 target.”