BBC Wales’ traditional Scrum V Sunday rugby highlights broadcast has been axed from television programming after almost 30 years, as the broadcaster moves to a ‘digital first’ and ‘multi-platform’ approach.
Instead of the much-loved Sunday Highlights and discussion show that has aired on BBC Two Wales since 1995, footage of non-live matches will only be available online. The BBC said it had to “cut its cloth in line with its budgets” as it delivered sporting coverage in different ways.
A new Scrum V show, hosted by Lauren Jenkins, featuring big names debating current rugby topics, is available to watch on BBC iPlayer, with highlights available online shortly after the match.
The channel will continue to broadcast live coverage of URC matches from the Welsh regions on BBC Two Wales on Friday evenings.
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A statement from BBC Wales said: “Because audiences want to see the highlights quickly, Scrum VThe evening highlights show will no longer be on Sunday evenings. Instead, highlights will be shown online and on TV shortly after the final whistle for all Welsh regional matches. Scrum V‘s social channels. These highlights will also be combined and shown as one comprehensive package on BBC Wales TV and iPlayer. And the Scrum V-podcast is broadcast weekly on BBC Sounds with Gareth Rhys Owen.”
Other new shows under the Scrum V banner this season includes Scrum V Top 5’s in which Mammoth star and rugby fan Mike Bubbins invites guests to choose iconic moments and characters from the game.
Carolyn Hitt, Head of Sport at BBC Cymru Wales, said: “Scrum V is our iconic rugby brand and will remain at the heart of our sporting coverage, with content throughout the week providing analysis and predictions, breaking highlights and highlighting the notable moments. BBC Wales is proud to have Scrum V For almost 30 years we have focused on the audience. Our aim is to capture the interest and imagination of a new generation of rugby fans and to reward our core audience with new content.
“As sport evolves and the way we consume it changes, we want to provide more immediate coverage, thanks to our new digital formats. Rugby and football fans can be assured that the new offering will bring the latest news, opinion and analysis to their laptop, smartphone and TV.
“It is also true that the BBC, like other broadcasters, is having to make cuts to its budgets. Rising costs across the board, as well as our ambition to cover a wider range of sports, means we need to focus on where we spend our money and ensure we are giving our audiences the sporting coverage they want in the places they want to enjoy it.”
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Football fans will also have a new multi-platform show from next season. With an approaching autumn of international football, an eight-part series of Football celebration will have access to the national squad, so that all the excitement and talking points of the match against Wales can be captured.
Hosted by former Wales captain Ashley Williams, the show will be filmed at the Football Association of Wales headquarters on the eve of the men’s and women’s international matches. The show will feature interviews and exclusive access to players from both sides, as well as short films from across Wales.
Williams said: “I’m really excited to be presenting Feast of Football. We have great access to the teams and we’re giving fans a brilliant insight into Welsh football and talking about the things that matter to them. We want them to feel like they’re right there in the camp and part of the story.”