Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. There are few issues that actually do conjoin us with our different politics in this place. So, this is an important debate for the people that we all represent to have here in this Welsh Parliament. And as has been said, here in Wales, rugby is so much more than just a game. Six nations matches are etched in our national psyche. They are part of who we are, and part of our shared Welshness. And in clubhouses, pubs and living rooms across the nation, people gather to watch the six nations in a way unlike almost any other sporting event in Wales. And it is greater than its subject matter, so it is absolutely vital that we do keep this highlight of the Welsh sporting calendar accessible to the majority.

We need only to look at the example of cricket, as has already been mentioned, which has seen a substantial drop in participation and viewing figures since moving to pay-per-view services in 2005. And this is not to discredit for-profit channels such as Sky or BT, which have, over a number of years, provided some very high-quality rugby coverage. But the fact is that these are simply not accessible for the same number of people in Wales.

When Wales claimed a grand slam victory over England last year, 8.9 million people viewed this on BBC One. That is more than the most-watched football match on the BBC in 2018-19. This should signal how important it is to keep these games on free-to-air tv. It is also a signal as to why others want it.

I wish to take this opportunity to promote the women's six nations, which will now be unified with the men's tournament in terms of television rights. As the women's game continues to grow in participation, ensuring greater, not lesser television coverage is a vital next step. Unfortunately, this weekend's Wales women's fixture against Scotland has been called off due to the coronavirus affecting one of the Scottish players, and I'm sure members across this Chamber would like to join me in wishing her a full and speedy recovery.

Dirprwy Lywydd, if we are to ensure that the next generation are inspired to play and support rugby, we must keep it accessible to them. The six nations is enjoyed by avid rugby fans and social observers alike. This will not be the case if it disappears behind a pay wall. In Wales rugby has always been a sport for everyone, not just a privileged few, and we must all work together to keep it that way.