Premiership Rugby: Bristol player to wear microphone during Bath match
- Published
A Bristol player will wear the microphone during their game with West Country rivals Bath on Saturday at Ashton Gate
A player microphone will be used for the first time in the Premiership when Bristol play Bath on Saturday.
A Bristol player will wear the microphone during the match, with audio broadcast during breaks in play, at half-time and post-match.
"Viewers will be able to get unique insight into the physicality of the sport as well as hear about the high-pressure decision making and communication that occurs on the field of play in elite rugby," Premiership Rugby said.
A three-person team will monitor the feed throughout the match, which is being broadcast on TNT Sports.
Referee Luke Pearce will also wear a camera during Gloucester's match with Sale on Sunday.
The camera will be also worn during the pre-game warm-up by a player from either side.
"We have a genuine responsibility because we're in an entertainment business to try and get the game as close to the fans and supporters as possible," Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said.
"We're open as a club to any innovation and we've shown that over the years. When they mentioned to us we said 'yeah, no problem'.
'Someone who can mind his language'
Lam said he had a shortlist of three players who will wear the microphone before making a decision later on Thursday.
"I'll try and give it to a player who is pretty good with his language, who can mind his language as much as he can," he added.
"I'd actually be really interested to listen to it a well. We always talk about your communication and the way you speak is crucial as a top rugby player."
Bristol captain Fitz Harding said there was a balance to find in choosing who will wear the microphone, to provide insight but give rivals an insight into team tactics.
"Rugby is a very tactical game and we don't want to be giving too many of our shot calls away, it's about who's going to be the best individual to do it," he said.
"Anything that grows the game that is going to appeal it to a wider audience I'm all for. The more fans can see our game and understand our game and what goes into it, the more interest they'll have in it"