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Premiership Rugby to Trial Midweek Games in Upcoming Season
Premiership Rugby is set to innovate next season by trialling midweek fixtures, marking a first for the league. The season’s inaugural game is slated for a Thursday night, shifting from the traditional Saturday slot to avoid coinciding with the women’s Rugby World Cup final in the last weekend of September. The finalized schedule remains pending confirmation with clubs.
Thursday Night Rugby: A Potential Regular Fixture?
While currently planned as a unique event, the Thursday night scheduling has garnered interest from figures within the television industry who are exploring the possibility of making it a consistent feature. Broadcasters like TNT Sports are reportedly supportive, and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) have also signaled their backing for the change.
Expanding the Audience: Innovation in Premiership Rugby
Premiership Rugby is proactively seeking strategies to expand its viewership. A recent trial involving designated away ends during Saracens’ match against Gloucester exemplifies this commitment to innovation.
- Competing with the congested weekend football schedule, Thursday evenings present an opportunity to boost rugby’s broadcast figures.
- Inspired by the Premier League’s success with “Monday Night Football,” rugby aims to explore similar avenues for financial growth.
- Addressing player welfare concerns, smart scheduling can help ensure players receive adequate rest, despite the physical demands of the sport.
Venue Restrictions for Thursday Fixtures
Existing regulations may prevent Thursday matches from being held at StoneX Stadium (Saracens) or Sandy Park (Exeter), as these venues lack licensing for Friday night games.
Fixture Scheduling Requests
During fixture planning, clubs can request to avoid specific dates, considering potential conflicts like local marathons or football matches.
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Coaching Changes and Player Acquisitions at Leicester
Leicester’s hunt for a new head coach continues alongside player recruitment. With Michael Cheika departing, Kiwi coach Leon MacDonald is now considered the frontrunner, following meetings between club representatives and MacDonald in Australia.
In player news, flanker Joaquin Moro is expected to join Welford Road. The Argentine international, who plays for Pampas XV in Super Rugby Americas, will bolster the team’s back-row options following Kyle Hatherell’s anticipated move to Ealing Trailfinders.
Concerns Mount Over Welsh Rugby’s Judgement Day
The annual Judgement Day fixture in Welsh rugby faces an uncertain future as attendance figures dwindle. This event, featuring the country’s four regional teams at the Principality Stadium since 2013 (with last year’s games at Cardiff City Stadium), saw a significant drop in attendance.
While the 2018 event attracted 62,338 fans, only 28,328 tickets were sold for the recent event. The long-term contract for hosting the games in Cardiff is up for renegotiation, and some regions are reportedly interested in hosting matches at their home stadiums.
Farrell’s Exeter Visit: Rugby and Recreation
Andy Farrell’s trip to Sandy Park, where he watched Finn Russell guide Bath to a victory over Exeter, may have served a dual purpose, providing both rugby observation and an Easter holiday getaway.
According to reports, the Lions coach, who is due to announce his squad next month, appreciates the local coastline and has been seen in nearby holiday towns. Celebrities Gareth Southgate and Louis Theroux have also been spotted visiting local pubs.
Joe Marler to Star on Celebrity Traitors
Former England prop Joe Marler is set to become a prominent figure on the new season of “Celebrity Traitors.”
Confirmed alongside Stephen Fry and Tom Daley, Marler has long been a fan of the show.
Demonstrating his commitment to the game, Marler initially denied his involvement to Mail Sport when the news first surfaced.