06 August 2014

S4C has acquired the rights to broadcast highlights of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2014, being held currently in Paris.

S4C’s highlights coverage Cwpan Rygbi’r Byd 2014 kicks off on Monday, 11 August, 10.30pm with highlights of the pool stages.

Further S4C highlights shows will be broadcast on Thursday 14 August and Monday 18 August, both at 10.00pm.

The IRB Women's Rugby World Cup includes three group stage rounds, ranking play-off matches and semi-finals, culminating with the grand final on Sunday, 17 August.

Alun Jenkins will provide match commentary, with former Wales captain and full back Non Evans providing additional commentary and analysis.

Non Evans says, “I’m looking forward immensely to being part of the S4C commentary team for this coverage. Since I retired four years ago at the end of the 2010 World Cup, the standard of play has risen to another level, in terms of both handling skills and fitness. It’s going to be an interesting tournament, as the teams have all closed up in terms of quality. New Zealand are the favourites, but I will also be keeping a beady eye on England, France and Ireland. There may be some shocks in store.”

In this SMS and Sunset+Vine Cymru co-production for S4C, particular attention will be given to the young, developing Wales side under coach Rhys Edwards.

Llion Iwan, S4C Commissioner of Sport and Factual Programmes said, "S4C viewers will be delighted to hear that we will provide free-to-air highlights of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2014. The coverage reflects the growing interest in the women’s game and S4C’s commitment to show rugby in a wide variety of competitions in Wales and the world."

Wales are in Pool C, along with Australia, France and South Africa, and will be aiming to improve on their ninth-place finish in the last World Cup in 2010.

All the pool games will be held at France's national rugby centre in Marcoussis. Defending champions New Zealand are aiming to win a fifth consecutive title, but current Six Nations Champions, France and England, will be among their main challengers.

There are three pools of four teams in the competition, with the three pool winners and the highest second-placed team progressing to the semi-finals.

As this is a ranking tournament, all the countries will have play-off matches to be given a final position.

Ends