Referees like Nigel Owens like to have the last word and the microphones they wear have added enormously to the coverage of Rugby.
We are still waiting with anticipation on news of when the first microphoned professional rugby player in the Northern hemisphere will be sharing the ups and downs of a live game with us through the Guinness Pro12 and Sky Sports.
It was to have been last weekend with Glasgow Warriors scrum half Mike Blair but when that was lost to Storm Desmond it was back to the drawing board. It will happen though and soon.
The four unions involved in the Pro12 have been given permission by World Rugby to undertake the experiment.
“Sky Sports are the first of our broadcasters to take advantage of Player Microphone, others will undoubtedly follow,” said Tournament Director David Jordan.
“We had performed test broadcasts in conjunction with Sky Sports with Stuart McCloskey of Ulster and Jon Barclay of the Scarlets wearing a Player Microphone earlier in the season as part of our application to World Rugby. The reaction from fans and our clubs was extremely positive.”
“As a broadcaster our job is to entertain and educate and with this technology we can now take fans right into the heart of the game as we get up close and personal with the players, and listen in on what happens out on the field,” added Gus Williamson, Head of Rugby Union at Sky Sports.
“None of this would be happening without the PRO12 and its clubs, so we’re very grateful for their support.”
As an example of how it will look, sound, and in the case of some of the tackles feel, here is a broadcast earlier this year from a similar trial in Australia.
