The Premiership is seeking approval from World Rugby to allow England’s biggest names to wear microphones during matches following a successful trial in the Vodacom URC.
According to the Daily Mail, the Premiership and broadcaster TNT Sports want to introduce player microphones as a regular feature of match coverage from 2024, to bring fans closer to the action.
The innovation was trialled during a Vodacom URC match between Cardiff and the DHL Stormers, when Welsh flank Ellis Jenkins wore a microphone and the unique audio was a feature of the BBC Wales broadcast.
In order for the innovation to be introduced to the Premiership, the RFU must apply to World Rugby to have it approved on health and safety grounds. That is not expected to be a major issue, as Jenkins wore a microphone and power unit stitched into his vest under his playing jersey.
World Rugby has also previously granted the use of player microphones in Super Rugby.
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