Groundbreaking technology to be introduced this weekend in Premiership

Bristol Bears’ West Country derby with Bath this Saturday will see a ‘Player Mic’ be used for the first time, TNT Sports have confirmed.

The sold-out Gallagher Premiership clash will see this groundbreaking piece of technology unveiled, which TNT Sports say will “provide unprecedented insights into on-field dynamics”.

The wearable tech will be worn by a Bristol player, who is yet to be confirmed, as they strive to climb up the league table, where they currently sit in eighth place.

Richard Cockerill on the Georgian coaching opportunity

Richard Cockerill on the Georgian coaching opportunity

TNT Sports wrote on their website: “For the first time ever in the Gallagher Premiership, TNT Sports 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.

“A three-person team, featuring a dedicated camera operator, EVS replay editor and producer, will monitor the audio feed throughout the match to bring viewers all the best insight during breaks in play and in sequenced packages at half time and post-match.”

On top of the ‘Player Mic’, a new and improved ‘Ref Cam’ will be worn by Luke Pearce in Gloucester’s encounter with Sale Sharks the following day at Kingsholm. The same camera worn by Pearce will also be worn by a player in the build-up to the match, which TNT Sports say will offer “a unique storytelling tool and giving viewers a players’ view of the warm-up”.