O2 Put Ref In Earshot With New App

21 Feb 2013 | tshego

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O2, sponsor of the RFU and England Rugby, has announced the launch of O2 Matchday, a new free app featuring ‘Ref!Link’ – a live feed from the referee’s microphone – directly to fans’ phones across the UK.

The exclusive technology developed by O2 is set to provide a unique insight into international rugby ahead of England v France on Saturday.

Via the app, fans will be able to hear each and every judgment call as it is made, while the match is being played. O2 Matchday can also be used by rugby fans before each Test weekend to get a match preview, find out how the teams line up head to head, which players to watch out for, and to get more information on the man officiating.

Live text commentary is streamed in from Twickenham, with a social feed that tracks what the rugby commentators have to say about the match in progress.

International referee Nigel Owens said: ‘O2 Matchday is a further example of the transparency that rugby champions, but it is also a brilliant way to show the skills involved in being a great facilitator. I’m excited that the challenges of getting the best out of 30 men will now be available to a bigger audience.’

Mark Stevenson, head of Priority and sponsorship at O2 added: ‘O2 Matchday allows you about as close to the England rugby action as it’s possible to get. Any closer and you’d be on the pitch. We’ve developed the technology using fan feedback and it will continue to evolve throughout the RBS 6 Nations as rugby lovers put it through its paces. O2 has a strong heritage supporting England and the Ref!Link feature means those fans who can’t journey to Twickenham still get the amazing live stadium experience.’

Jonathan Downey, Ref!Link director commented: ‘We’re delighted to be working with O2 to bring Ref!Link to those fans not fortunate enough to be at England games at Twickenham. O2 Matchday allows them to experience what thousands do inside the stadium, a live feed from the ref during the game. Delivering this service with O2 to smartphones is a logical next step and we’re really excited about the development.’

While the Ref!Link feature will not work within Twickenham Stadium itself, fans attending the match at Twickenham can purchase a Ref!Link from a Ref!Link kiosk at the ground.