'Tooth and claw fight' to keep rugby on TV, says Owen Smith

Shadow Secretary for Wales Owen Smith says he will "fight tooth and claw to make sure the rugby stays on terrestrial television" rather than go behind a paywall.

His comments come after Six Nations Rugby tournament chief executive John Feehan told the Daily Telegraph he was prepared to consider all options when the current BBC deal runs out in 2017.

Pontypridd MP Mr Smith told BBC Radio Wales: "Rugby is obviously not such a big deal in other parts of the UK as it is in Wales but, from a Welsh perspective, lets be crystal clear about it - over my dead body will we see it lost.

"I think it would be terrible if it went on pay-per-view or Sky TV. I think lots of people in Wales would not be able to access it."