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The Rugby Championship 2024 preview and where to watch

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The All Blacks

The Rugby Championship 2024 is set to captivate rugby fans worldwide, featuring fierce competition among the Southern Hemisphere’s top teams. As these rugby powerhouses clash, Welsh fans can look forward to thrilling matches, showcasing the sport at its highest level. Here’s a preview of the tournament and how you can watch it.

Tournament format and fixtures

The 2024 Rugby Championship returns to its full 12-match format, with each team playing six matches—three at home and three away. This comprehensive schedule promises to be the most intense and high-stakes rugby on TV.

Key fixtures:

  • Round 1 (10 August):
    • New Zealand vs Argentina at Sky Stadium, Wellington
    • Australia vs South Africa at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
  • Round 2 (17 August):
    • New Zealand vs Argentina at Eden Park, Auckland
    • Australia vs South Africa at Optus Stadium, Perth
  • Round 3 (31 August):
    • South Africa vs New Zealand at Ellis Park, Johannesburg
    • Argentina vs Australia at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi, Buenos Aires
  • Round 4 (7 September):
    • South Africa vs New Zealand at DHL Stadium, Cape Town
    • Argentina vs Australia at Brigadier Estanislao Lopez Stadium, Santa Fe
  • Round 5 (21 September):
    • Australia vs New Zealand at Accor Stadium, Sydney
    • Argentina vs South Africa at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Cordoba
  • Round 6 (28 September):
    • New Zealand vs Australia at Eden Park, Auckland
    • South Africa vs Argentina at Ellis Park, Johannesburg

The teams

  1. New Zealand

The All Blacks, the defending champions, are aiming for their fifth consecutive title. They have a balanced squad, combining experience and emerging talent.

  1. South Africa

The Springboks, fresh off their Rugby World Cup victory, will be formidable opponents. Led by Siya Kolisi, they are known for their physicality and tactical prowess.

  1. Australia

The Wallabies, under new leadership, are looking to rebuild and make a strong statement. Their matches against traditional rivals New Zealand and South Africa will be crucial for their campaign​​​​.

  1. Argentina

Los Pumas are the dark horses of the tournament. Known for their passionate play and resilience, they can upset any team on their day. Keep an eye on their home matches, which often see them perform at their best​​​​.

Where to watch

For Welsh fans, the Rugby Championship will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This ensures comprehensive coverage, including expert analysis and highlights. If you or your local doesn’t have a Sky Sports subscription, you can stream the matches via NOW TV, which offers a pass for all Sky Sports channels​​.

Streaming options:

  • Sky Sports: The primary broadcaster in the UK, offering live coverage and in-depth analysis.
  • NOW TV: Provides streaming access to Sky Sports channels without a long-term contract, ideal for viewers who prefer flexibility​​.

Additionally, fans can consider using a VPN to access international streaming services like Stan Sport (Australia), SuperSport (South Africa), and FloRugby (USA).

Conclusion

The Rugby Championship 2024 promises to be a spectacular display of rugby, featuring some of the best teams and players in the world. Welsh fans have multiple ways to catch all the action live and stay up-to-date. Whether through Sky Sports or streaming services, make sure you don’t miss a moment of this thrilling tournament.

Entertainment

Filming for new season of S4C crime drama Cleddau returns to Pembrokeshire

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Production crew spotted in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton as series set for 2026 release

FILMING has returned to Pembrokeshire this week for the next season of Cleddau — the hit S4C crime drama released in English as The One That Got Away.

The production crew has been seen in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton capturing new scenes for the upcoming 2026 series. Local photographer Gareth Davies shared images of the team working along the estuary, describing “a real buzz” in the area as cast and crew returned after the success of the first season.

Crime thriller rooted in the Cleddau estuary

Cleddau follows a murder investigation that reopens buried secrets in a quiet west Wales community. The show has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, strong performances and striking use of local Pembrokeshire scenery — with the Cleddau estuary itself forming a central part of the series’ identity.

Residents have reported seeing cameras and production vehicles around familiar walking routes, waterfront areas and estuary-side villages as the crew makes full use of the landscape that inspired the show’s name.

Local interest and economic boost

The return of filming has been welcomed locally, bringing attention, visitors and activity into communities along the waterway. For many residents, the excitement lies in spotting familiar places on screen when the new season airs next year.

The new series of Cleddau is expected to be broadcast in 2026.

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Entertainment

Cardigan Theatre brings Beauty and the Beast to Mwldan this Christmas

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Festive panto promises magic, music and family fun

CARDIGAN Theatre is set to bring festive magic to Theatre Mwldan this Christmas with a fun-filled production of Beauty and the Beast, running from 21–29 December. The pantomime is written and directed by Jonathon Preece and promises all the traditional panto sparkle audiences love.

The story follows once-proud Prince Louis (Emily Davies), who angers Agatha the Evil Enchantress (Kelly Lewis). As punishment for his selfishness, she transforms him into the fearsome Beast (Steve Green). His only hope of breaking the spell is to find true love – or remain a beast forever.

Meanwhile, brave and kind-hearted Belle (Ruby Lemoine) sets out to rescue her eccentric father Marcel (Tom Loveday) who on his way to the “Big Invention Competition”, gets lost and stumbles into the enchanted castle and is taken prisoner by the Beast. Determined to save him, Belle is joined by her loyal friend Jaques, the village silly billy (Sarah Harris), flamboyant Dame Madam Fromage (Rhys Davies), and Gavin (Paul Robinson), the vain village heart-throb who is convinced Belle should marry him!

Inside the castle, Belle encounters a host of enchanted objects, including Tick Tock (Lilwen), Flambe (Bryce), and Mrs Kettle (Manon), who provide humour, magic and plenty of encouragement as they try to help the Beast win Belle’s heart and break Agatha’s curse.

With songs, jokes, colourful characters and plenty of audience participation, the production promises festive fun for all ages.

Beauty and the Beast runs at Theatre Mwldan from 21–29 December. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Cardigan Theatre can be followed on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future shows.

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Entertainment

Glow returns to Carew Castle with magical illuminations and Santa’s grotto

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CAREW CASTLE and Tidal Mill has launched its annual Christmas spectacular, with the first night of Glow transforming the historic fortress into a shimmering winter wonderland.

The medieval walls are now bathed in colour, with vivid light displays bringing new life to one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors on opening night were greeted by glowing ramparts, candlelit walkways and festive scenes created inside the castle rooms, including a decorated Christmas tree, a stained-glass style installation and a traditional medieval feast display.

Glow runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4:30pm to 7:30pm until 14 December, offering families the chance to explore the castle after dark in a way that is rarely possible. The illuminated trail has become one of the county’s most popular seasonal attractions, drawing visitors from across West Wales.

A major highlight for younger visitors arrives this weekend, as Santa sets up his magical grotto inside the castle walls. Children can meet Father Christmas every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm until 14 December, with each child receiving a gift. Organisers say booking is essential, with limited spaces available.

Carew Castle’s team said they have worked for weeks to prepare the site for the festive season, aiming to create a magical experience for families and returning visitors. Early reactions from guests at the launch night suggest the event could be one of the strongest yet.

Tickets for both Glow and Santa’s Grotto can be booked via events.pembrokeshirecoast.wales.

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