Rugby fans hope the coverage of the Six Nations stays on free-to-air TV channels as the Senedd votes on the ‘devastating’ future of Welsh rugby broadcasting rights.

The motion, triggered by Welsh Conservatives, would move the Six Nations into a ‘protected’ list of events that require “fair and reasonable” costs for broadcasting rights to be offered to free-to-air channels, such as the BBC or ITV.

Speaking in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “The greater ability for the public to view the game in all its glory, in that pinnacle of the game in the northern hemisphere, will undoubtedly bring the generation of tomorrow forward, to fill the rugby field and clubs of this country.

“Will the Welsh government confirm if it will be voting for our motion tomorrow that will keep Six Nation rugby on free-to-air TV.”

Some Welsh rugby fans believe that the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) should focus on rugby’s broader appeal with the public and should spend their funds more wisely, by allocating more money into improving the sport and investing in the sport in south Wales area.

One fan said: “We need the money, but I don’t think that the money is being streamed in the right way anyway. It certainly doesn’t seem to benefit the region in Wales, but I think we need to reach as wide a public as possible”.

Another said: “They should find the money elsewhere, instead of making ordinary people suffer”.

At the end of the current BBC and ITV deal in 2025, the WRU will be able to sell off broadcasting rights in a competitive auction to broadcasting companies, including paid terrestrial TV and streaming services.

Abi Tierney, Chief Executive of the WRU, will be questioned on the matter by the Senedd’s Culture and Sport committee on Thursday.

Tierney addressed a letter to the committee stating her belief that the motion would have a significant negative impact on Welsh rugby, with the WRU relying heavily on the income generated from selling broadcasting rights.

She wrote: “We would strongly guard against moving Six Nations Rugby Championship broadcast rights from Group B to the Group A list of sporting events of ‘national interest’ as nominated by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

“Put simply, the negative financial implications of moving international rugby matches in the Six Nations Rugby Championship to the protected list could have a devastating impact on the whole of the game in Wales in the medium and long term.”