Check the match and the commentary offer
Start with the exact broadcast, rather than assuming every S4C sports programme has two commentary tracks. S4C describes English commentary as available when rights allow it. Its sports listings can specify both the platforms carrying a fixture and the available languages. Match those details to the live programme you intend to watch before changing the household’s language preferences.
Use the Clic audio option when offered
S4C’s current instructions say to open the player’s language option and select English when that commentary is available. This changes the spoken coverage. An English subtitle track serves a different purpose and can be present without changing the Welsh narration. Listen after making the selection so you can identify which of those two settings actually changed.
On iPlayer, find the named live edition
S4C directs iPlayer viewers to an entry marked English Commentary under Featured on S4C when that option is offered. The guide describes this as a live service, not an on-demand promise. A replay of the ordinary programme is therefore not sufficient evidence that the separate English-commentary feed remains available after the match.
Use receiver-specific instructions on television
S4C’s receiver guide distinguishes red-button routes from audio-language menus. Its Sky Q instructions even direct viewers to choose Welsh and switch audio description off to obtain the intended alternate commentary. Do not generalise that counterintuitive label to every receiver: Virgin TiVo, Freesat and Freely have their own guidance. Check the actual box and restore your usual preference afterwards if necessary.
Questions, answered
Will selecting English subtitles also change the sports commentary?
No. Spoken commentary and written subtitles are different programme options; use the documented audio or named live-feed route.