Rugby Set To Broadcast Player Microphone Audio

Last weekend’s Guinness PRO12 Rugby Union Tournament match between the Glasgow Warriors and Leinster Rugby was going to feature the first player to wear a microphone in the history of the tournament and elite rugby overall.

The match, which was postponed due to poor weather, was set to feature Glasgow Warrior’s scrum-half, Mike Blair wearing a microphone. A scrum-half was chosen due to the position requiring the most on-field communication.

Several months were spent working out the technical and management protocols with World Rugby. After testing the equipment, the four rugby unions involved in the PRO12 tournament were granted approval to try the player microphone in the Guinness PRO12.

The addition of the player microphone also required the testing of broadcasts and getting the microphone audio onto the live broadcasts. Broadcast testing began with other rugby players wearing player microphones earlier in the season as part of the application to World Rugby.

Broadcasting audio recordings from the player microphone was a decision to help promote fan engagement. PRO12 Rugby managing director Martin Anayi said: “Innovative coverage will bring viewers closer to the action by being given direct insight into how players communicate on the field.”

Players have been wearing microphones and media have been broadcasting the audio with great success in other sports. This success caught the attention of the PRO12 tournament. 

The article originally appeared here.

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