Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies is calling for Welsh rugby international matches to stay on terrestrial TV– so everyone can afford to watch them.

The BBC's deal to show the autumn internationals runs out next year and Mr Davies is concerned that Sky Sports may buy the rights to show them.

"It is estimated that if the Welsh Rugby Union and Sky strike a deal approximately two thirds of Welsh viewers would not be able to watch the games," Mr Davies told the Senedd.

Mr Davies is also pressing that the so‐called sporting "crown jewels" ‐ sporting events that by law have to be shown live on terrestrial TV – should include the RBS Six Nations matches.

"If these matches are also bought by Sky then it would place serious restrictions on viewers' ability to access live rugby coverage," added Mr Davies. He said that being able to watch Welsh rugby internationals forms part of our "cultural identity" and must be protected if at all possible.

"These events also provide major talking points and have cemented themselves as a prominent and fundamental part of our cultural make‐up," he said.

"In tough economic times such as these people cannot afford to go to the pub, for example, so often if a game is not being shown for free on terrestrial TV then they will miss out.

"It is key that the public is the most important part of the jigsaw when it comes to viewing rights. Of course, it is essential to give people choice but it is also vital that people's rights are safeguarded," he said.