Players getting miked up

[Puja]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/68096765

This is fascinating and something I'd be really interested in. There's so much communication that goes on at top-level rugby and it'd be interesting to have the mike on defensive leaders to hear how they move players about.

Good choice not to go to it live though.

Puja

[p/d]

Dreadful idea.

[FKAS]

Sounds interesting, worth a go though feels like a gimmick.

[p/d]

It will end up with commentators chatting to players during breaks in play. All well and good in that pyjama wearing Mickey Mouse cricket but rugby…… really don’t like the ide

[Mikey Brown]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/68096765

This is fascinating and something I'd be really interested in. There's so much communication that goes on at top-level rugby and it'd be interesting to have the mike on defensive leaders to hear how they move players about.

Good choice not to go to it live though.

Puja

Hadn't looked in to it myself but I was worried this would lead to an endless stream of "apologies for any bad language you may have heard" from the commentators.

Agreed it would be great to hear what the centres are doing in defence.

[Puja]

It will end up with commentators chatting to players during breaks in play. All well and good in that pyjama wearing Mickey Mouse cricket but rugby…… really don’t like the ide

The players won't have headphones! It's one-way, same as the ref-mike.

Puja

[Oakboy]

I can hear the protest from the assistant coach after the first one is swallowed, "Mr Borthwick have I really got to monitor excremental comments?"

[p/d]

It will end up with commentators chatting to players during breaks in play. All well and good in that pyjama wearing Mickey Mouse cricket but rugby…… really don’t like the ide

The players won't have headphones! It's one-way, same as the ref-mike.

Puja

Oh no, I get that. I’m just passing comment as to where it will take us.

[Which Tyler]

Instinctively, I hate the idea. Even as a 1-way mic, it's still an intrusion, and will lead to players thinking about something other than the match in progress.
I'd rather they allowed us to listen to the ref's mic rather than talking over it at every opportunity.

I'm only interesting in hearing what players have to say on the pitch when it's the captain, and they're talking to the ref.

[Mellsblue]

I doubt they’ll remember they’re mic’d up when the flak starts flying. It’s common place in the NFL and there’s countless clips of players suddenly remembering they’re being recorded. And they get to sit down for 50% of the match.

Ultimately, the game is dying and if we want to have something to talk about on here whilst we should be working then I’m all for innovation. If it’s not a hit then just can it.

[Banquo]

Instinctively, I hate the idea

Agreed. And I know what the centres will say

[Oakboy]

Instinctively, I hate the idea

Agreed. And I know what the centres will say

"Thank feck we haven't got Farrell kicking everything," ?????

[Puja]

I doubt they’ll remember they’re mic’d up when the flak starts flying. It’s common place in the NFL and there’s countless clips of players suddenly remembering they’re being recorded. And they get to sit down for 50% of the match.

Ultimately, the game is dying and if we want to have something to talk about on here whilst we should be working then I’m all for innovation. If it’s not a hit then just can it.

There is bound to be an impolitic "hot mike" moment if it keeps going. Some banter or sledging that causes controversy.

I agree with you on the innovation side though. I remember back when ESPN (before they were BT before they were TNT) said they were going to talk to coaches mid-match and we all said it was nonsense and none of the coaches would stand for it, but now it's a standard piece of broadcasting and I think we can all agree it's added to the show. If this access improves things and helps us get another television contract, I'm all for it.

Puja

[Banquo]

I doubt they’ll remember they’re mic’d up when the flak starts flying. It’s common place in the NFL and there’s countless clips of players suddenly remembering they’re being recorded. And they get to sit down for 50% of the match.

Ultimately, the game is dying and if we want to have something to talk about on here whilst we should be working then I’m all for innovation. If it’s not a hit then just can it.

k we can all agree it's added to the show.

Puja

nope. Its just vapid nonsense interrupting the game imo

[Mikey Brown]

Instinctively, I hate the idea

Agreed. And I know what the centres will say

Well of course you do.

Being serious though I’d assume this is just an extra bit of stuff for half/post game analysis that might help understanding what decision making and communication looks like on the field at the top level.

If it’s just a gimmicky distraction during actual gameplay that would be a shame.

After 10 years of hearing about Farrell’s mythical intangibles being the basis for his selection I don’t see what harm it could do?

[francoisfou]

Listening in the the intimate discussions of the two sets of front row forwards could be enlightening!

[Which Tyler]

nope. Its just vapid nonsense interrupting the game imo

Agreed, I don't recall hearing anything that added to the experience from a coach's interview.
TBH, the same pretty much goes for the same interviews with the same people before and after the game.

But...

If it adds to the experience for some, without distracting the players and coaches, then fair enough - keep going, even if it annoys me personally.

[Oakboy]

I doubt they’ll remember they’re mic’d up when the flak starts flying. It’s common place in the NFL and there’s countless clips of players suddenly remembering they’re being recorded. And they get to sit down for 50% of the match.

Ultimately, the game is dying and if we want to have something to talk about on here whilst we should be working then I’m all for innovation. If it’s not a hit then just can it.

k we can all agree it's added to the show.

Puja

nope. Its just vapid nonsense interrupting the game imo

We already miss some play with incessant replays as it is. Why not keep all gimmicks to HT and post-game? That way, I'm not forced to watch/listen. Intelligent commentary and informed co-commentary is fine. Just concentrate on the game.

[Mellsblue]

I very much doubt it’s the people on here they’re trying to appeal to.

[Banquo]

I very much doubt it’s the people on here they’re trying to appeal to.

can read that a couple of ways, but there is something in retention and loyalty....

[Stom]

You just know the plan is to simply mic up Joe Marler every game...

[Which Tyler]

Most of the highlights seems to be when he wasn't saying anything.

[switchskier]

I doubt they’ll remember they’re mic’d up when the flak starts flying. It’s common place in the NFL and there’s countless clips of players suddenly remembering they’re being recorded. And they get to sit down for 50% of the match.

Ultimately, the game is dying and if we want to have something to talk about on here whilst we should be working then I’m all for innovation. If it’s not a hit then just can it.

This. With moderation panel nothing profane will get broadcast. It'll mostly be used to clip together some promotional videos on YouTube, which can't really hurt. Rugby needs to get in the game or get left behind - the social media product out there is comically weak.

[Mellsblue]

Now try and tell me it’s a bad idea