Premiership Rugby FINALLY introduce fan-focused trial as referees are put on the mic
Karl Dickson refereeing a Champions Cup game.
Premiership Rugby will broadcast refereeing decisions on stadium PA systems at selected games in the run-in and at the Premiership final in June.
The broadcasting of refereeing decisions has recently been done at Test matches in the past year, but this is the first time it will be done in the English top flight.
Refereeing decisions to be broadcast through stadium PA’s in selected Premiership games
This Saturday’s clash between Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate will make history as the first game to have the refereeing decisions broadcast out across the stadium, before being used at other selected games throughout the run-in.
Commenting on the news, Rob Calder, Chief Growth Officer at Premiership Rugby, said: “It’s fantastic to see our referees ‘on mic’ in the Gallagher Premiership and it’s a credit to the collaborative effort of Bristol Bears, the RFU Match Officials’ team, our technology providers and TNT Sports to bring this trial to life.”
“Being able to hear refereeing decisions clearly explained over the PA system has added hugely to the in-stadium experience for fans during the Autumn Nations Series and Guinness Six Nations and we will explore other opportunities across the league.”
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Tom Tainton, Chief Operating Officer at Bristol Bears, added: “We’re pleased to be chosen for the trial at Ashton Gate for our fixture versus Exeter Chiefs.”
“One of our key objectives is to make the game accessible to new supporters and this innovation will not only add to the matchday experience, but help to inform and educate fans in the stadium.”
Karl Dickson will be the referee in charge of that historic game, which gets underway at 17:30 at Ashton Gate.
At the time of writing, the other selected games – aside from the final – are yet to be confirmed.
The news also comes as Premiership Rugby have confirmed the trial of designated away ends at selected games in the run-in, with Saracens’ clash with Gloucester and Leicester’s game against Harlequins as the chosen matches.
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