In-play timeline markers are among TNT Sports rugby innovations
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John Moulding
| 13 October 2023
4 In play timeline markers are among TNT Sports rugby innovations

The Gallagher Premiership Rugby season kicks off in the UK tonight, with TNT Sports promising an immersive broadcast experience across the season including in-play timeline markers so fans can re-live key moments, and mic’d up player warm-ups.

Other production innovations are real-time highlight clips from simultaneous live fixtures, cutting-edge multi-camera set-up, BatCam, WireCam and CineCam functionality to deliver further perspectives and viewpoints, and changing room and in-play substitute interviews.

“We’re looking to bring a fresh energy to the coverage, to excite not only the die-hard fans but bring new audiences along for the ride,” declares Duncan East, Managing Director at Buzz 16, which will be producing coverage of the 2023/24 season.

Scott Young, SVP Content and Production, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe says: “We are entering a new era of rugby coverage on TNT Sports...the objective is to elevate this fantastic competition to new heights. Our aim throughout the season will be to navigate a complete storytelling journey to enthuse new audiences and embrace the existing loyal fans – whether through innovations, on-screen talent or interaction with viewers.”

TNT Sports is the exclusive broadcaster for Gallagher Premiership Rugby, and coverage is found across broadcast TV and discovery+, which is the new streaming home from this season. discovery+ will show live coverage, full match replays and extended highlights, among other things.

The coverage will be fronted pitch-side by new presenter Orla Chennaoui. A 45-minute build-up will also provide a comprehensive preview of the weekend’s upcoming fixtures. Saturday games are presented by Craig Doyle and will go live on linear broadcast once TNT Sports finishes its live Premier League (football/soccer) coverage.

Live coverage on Sundays will include a 30-minute build-up, complemented by ‘The Rugby Review’ – a new 45-minute analysis and opinion show that will air at the conclusion of the live fixture.

The season kicks off at Bristol tonight as they host Leicester at 7pm on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ This weekend’s games also include Exeter vs Saracens on Saturday and Sale vs Northampton on Sunday – all shown on TNT Sports 1 (broadcast Pay TV) and discovery+ (subscription streaming).