Online sports publisher Pundit Arena has taken another step into Rugby broadcasting by securing the rights to show this year’s Ireland Vs England Rugby Legends game from the Twickenham Stoop.
They will not be short of innovation as well with plans in motion to have former England Rugby International and current Pundit Arena columnist Tom May wear a microphone on the field during the game.
The match serves as a traditional curtain raiser to The Ireland England showdown in the NatWest 6 Nations and has in the past raised over €800,000 for different rugby charities.
Last year’s game drew a crowd of 14,000 to the RDS to celebrate the life of Munster and Ireland legend Anthony Foley.
Among the players lined up to take part this year are Gordon D’Arcy. Geordan Murphy and Malcolm O’Kelly for Ireland as well as Jason Leonard, Mike Tindall and Mark Cueto for England.
“This is another great opportunity for Pundit Arena to deliver original and engaging content to our audience,” said Pundit Arena co-founder Richard Barrett talking to Sport for Business last night.
“It’s set to be a grandstand finale in the 6 Nations and the England vs Ireland Legends game will be the curtain-raiser on Friday night, helping to build the excitement around St Patrick’s Weekend.”
“Our brand in rugby in the UK is incredibly strong. Pople are screaming out for more rugby, and that’s what we’re delivering.”
Pundit Arena made a first step into broadcasting when taking on the rights to The Barbarians game against Samoa and the Barbarians Women’s Team’s first match against Munster at Thomond Park in November 2017
“The game will be streamed via the Pundit Arena website and our Pundit Arena Rugby Facebook page, the biggest social media rugby following in the world,” added Barrett.
“It can be accessed via mobile and desktop worldwide. We will also be sharing a highlights package of the top moments, as well as getting former England international and current Pundit Arena Team member, Tom May, mic’d up while on the playing field. It should make for some fantastic content from legends of the rugby game.”
No sponsor has yet been named for the broadcast though it may also present Pundit Arena with the opportunity to trial other revenue streams.
Sign up today for our free daily news digest covering the commercial world of sport or discover the benefits of becoming a full member alongside the many leading organisations whom we serve.
