URC ditches tradition with radical new TMO shake-up

The United Rugby Championship (URC) will introduce a new independent Television Match Official (TMO) process in a move designed to improve the accuracy of key decisions and reduce delays in matches.

The league becomes the first of the world’s five major club competitions to implement such a system – backed by Hawk-Eye technology – which will no longer rely on broadcasters to provide camera angles to match officials.

Until now, TMOs have depended on video operators in broadcast trucks to cycle through available angles, a process criticised for slowing down matches and contributing to frustrations around officiating. Under the new arrangement, officials will have touchscreen access to all broadcast feeds in real time, enabling them to select angles instantly and even view multiple replays simultaneously.

URC chief executive Martin Anayi said: “Speeding up the game and improving accuracy around key decisions is paramount in pushing the URC forward. Fans and their teams want the best possible experience during the 80 minutes that means so much and now thanks to our innovative suppliers and the support of IPVanish our league is able to implement this game-changing upgrade.”

The technology will also support the league’s ongoing trial of the 20-minute red card law, which has been another focus of scrutiny among supporters and coaches.

Implementation is being rolled out across the 12 Northern Hemisphere clubs in the opening rounds of the season, with South African teams continuing to use the Mobii system that has been in place since 2021.

The URC has faced criticism in recent seasons over inconsistencies in officiating, and the new system is intended to deliver greater transparency and reduce stoppages across the competition.

The decision was backed by former Gallagher Premiership communications director Paul Morgan on X, where he said: “This is such an important step forward … careers can depend on these big decisions.”

Rugby commentator Andrew McKenna queried how the new system will work in real time, saying: “Interesting, unlike the PREM the URC will have off field reviews, however the review will be carried out by the TMO. So how is the TMO supposed to review footage of that incident, while also watching the live game for potential issues the ref may have missed?”

One fan wrote on X: “Hopefully that means an end to the phrase: “We don’t have an angle” and directors choosing when to show replays of foul play.”

The initiative is backed by IPVanish, part of the VIPRE Security Group, whose branding will appear on broadcast coverage during TMO reviews.

IPVanish general manager Subbu Sthanu said: “Getting the call right matters, whether it’s a TMO deciding a game-defining moment or a consumer choosing who to trust with their privacy online. This partnership allows us to connect with a passionate, tech-savvy audience and highlight the importance of privacy and security in day-to-day life.”