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Burford: Shock player moves are inevitable and they're positive
For the first time, all five matches in the first round of the Allianz Premier 15s will be broadcast online in one place. This is a welcome move from the RFU, as the body announced that they will be streaming over 40 matches this season, alongside providing match highlights for non-streamed games.
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It’s also a bonus that this weekend we are seeing kick off times for matches staggered. This gives fans the opportunity to engage with more than one match and get behind the league more than they have had the chance to before.
In the past, fans have struggled to access live streams, so this development should not be underestimated. In my opinion, the move reflects the strong appetite for women’s rugby, a sport which I believe is only just getting started in terms of growth.
I am also hoping that with more live streaming opportunities, and with staggered start times, ticket sales will increase. Last season fans didn’t have the opportunity to really enjoy the rugby experience. I spoke previously about the real impact that fans can have for a team, so it will be great to have them back supporting us this season.
Although it is not yet confirmed if some of the final games will be broadcast on TV, this move from the RFU will not have gone unnoticed by mainstream broadcasters such as BBC, Sky Sports and BT Sport. The women’s game is an attractive product to go to market with, audiences are only going to increase. I do, however, think it is important that if the games are to be placed behind a paywall in the future, that they still remain accessible via live streaming services. It’s crucial that these matches are easily available to all who want to watch them. Whilst the league is still in this development stage, free viewing is important.
Looking at the season more generally, I think we are in for an exciting few months ahead. Although many have questioned the various movements of players between clubs this season, I think it’s a positive thing. Change is inevitable, as players develop; as do their needs. More players are choosing to move to a club that better suits their needs, more are making choices based on what is best for them – and to me that can be nothing but positive.
Bryony Cleall moving away from Saracens was a bit of a shock because her individual impact at the club is huge, also when both Cleall sisters are on the pitch, it’s deadly. However, she explained in her Instagram post that she felt it was time for her to take on a new challenge, and take this opportunity to develop more as both a player and a person. It’ll certainly be interesting to watch what unfolds as she meets her former team out on the pitch this Saturday. Looking over to Bristol Bears, Clara Nielson will be missed from their line up, but will be a strong addition to Exeter’s squad.
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The number of international players who have been recruited to join the league is not only refreshing, but also a reassuring reflection of the standard of rugby played in the league. The fact that players have uprooted themselves from their home countries to come and play overseas is a great indicator of the level of rugby on show.
Players like Alycia Washington will inject huge amounts of energy into game days. She summed up my thoughts perfectly in the video below by saying:“I think this is the best league in the world for women’s rugby, I have so much to learn from everyone here”
https://twitter.com/WorcsWarriorsW/status/1431319461739601922
This growth also works both ways. For those players coming over, I hope that fans from their hometown will now have more of a reason to get behind and involved with this year’s Prem 15s season. Hopefully with the high level of international recruitment this season we will see the league reach a wider, more global audience, which can only be a positive in my eyes! This is exactly why we need the games to be more visible and accessible, to open up new audiences and ultimately grow the sport.
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It’s hard to ignore the fact that this season is being played in the run up to a World Cup. I can say from experience that the World Cup will be in the back of player’s minds, however, for most it won’t make a huge difference to their playing standard. Of course, majority of players will want as much game time as possible before October, however many will just be trying to focus on the job in hand – which is to perform as best as they can for their team.
Speaking of team performances, I think we could be in for some changes to the top four teams this year. It’s hard to tell exactly how this season will pan out based on the first few rounds, but we should get some strong indication of where teams are at this year. There is a lot of rugby to be played this season, and I can’t wait to see how the league has developed and progressed over preseason.
The Allianz Premier 15s season kicks off this Saturday at midday with Bristol Bears V Exeter Chiefs. Rugby fans are in for a full day of matches, with four being played on the Saturday, and one on the Sunday.
Those who are not attending the games in person will need to register for an account with the RFU to be able to watch the matches this weekend. I have to say the process of doing so is incredibly quick and easy!
For more information on this weekend’s fixtures, including a step-by-step guide of how to sign up for an account, please click HERE
Comments on RugbyPass
Interesting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
12 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
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