PRO12 Rugby first in the world with Player Mic

Announcing the introduction of player mic PRO12 Rugby Managing Director Martin Anayi said: "We are delighted to be the first elite rugby union tournament into the market with player mic. This innovative coverage will bring viewers closer to the action by being given direct insight into how players communicate on the field. Broadcasters will be able to record the player communicating with fellow team mates, and using camera tracking, will be able to replay clips showing a rare aspect of a match from a players point of view. This technology has been used to great success in other sports such as American Football and has proved to be hugely popular with fans."

After several months of working out the technical and management protocols with World Rugby, the four Unions involved in the PRO12 were granted approval to trial Player Microphone in the GUINNESS PRO12.

Glasgow Warriors' scrum half Mike Blair will be the first professional rugby union player in the world to be officially sanctioned to wear a Player Microphone during Sky Sports coverage of Glasgow Warriors v Leinster tomorrow afternoon, Saturday 5th December. It's a notable first for GUINNESS PRO12 Rugby!

PRO12 Rugby Tournament Director David Jordan said: "Sky Sports are the first of our broadcasters to take advantage of Player Microphone, others will undoubtedly follow. The GUINNESS PRO12 had performed test broadcasts in conjunction with Sky Sports with Stuart McCloskey of Ulster and Jon Barclay of the Scarlets wearing a Player Microphone earlier in the season as part of its application to World Rugby. The reaction from fans and our clubs was extremely positive. Thanks too are due to Glasgow Warriors for facilitating the next step."

Commenting on the innovative introduction of player mic Gus Williamson, head of rugby union at Sky Sports: "We are always looking for new ways to give our viewers the best rugby experience possible and we're all extremely excited about what Player Mic will offer. As a broadcaster our job is to entertain and educate and with this technology we can now take fans right into the heart of the game as we get up close and personal with the players, and listen in on what happens out on the field. None of this would be happening without the PRO12 and its clubs, so we're very grateful for their support."

As a consequence Sky Sports will be able to add to its fantastic coverage of GUINNESS PRO12 rugby by giving its viewers, on television and social media, unparalleled access into the heart of the action.