Super Rugby Pacific: Chiefs introduce in-game player microphones as part of 'fan-centric' coverage

The Chiefs have agreed to mic up players during Super Rugby Pacific, as part of an attempt to make the product more 'fan-centric'.

Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson and star first-five Damian McKenzie were wired up during their season-opener against the Crusaders - a rematch of last year's final - with edited results replayed on Sky's Breakdown.

One of the sequences showed McKenzie hurting his ribs in a tackle, later aggravating the injury and leaving the field, while most of Jacobson's communication centred around his dialogue in team huddles.

The move is believed to be a first for New Zealand rugby.

"We acknowledge the need to provide a more fan-centric product and the use of player mics is a mechanism that gets fans closer to the action," said Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan.

"We have seen them used in other codes to good effect, and can give fans, coaches and players an insight into what is seen, felt, communicated and actioned on the field." 

Midfielder Quinn Tupaea also wore microphones during the Chiefs' pre-season fixtures in Japan and footage will feature in a planned documentary on the team hoping to improve on their runners-up finish last season.

"We are always looking at ways that we can innovate and how we can share more of what we do with our fans," said Chiefs chief executive Simon Graafhuis.

"The players and coaching group are really supportive of this initiative, and there are plans to extend this innovation to include the Super Rugby Pacific teams in New Zealand." 

The Chiefs have agreed to mic up players during Super Rugby Pacific, as part of an attempt to make the product more 'fan-centric'.

Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson and star first-five Damian McKenzie were wired up during their season-opener against the Crusaders - a rematch of last year's final - with edited results replayed on Sky's Breakdown.

One of the sequences showed McKenzie hurting his ribs in a tackle, later aggravating the injury and leaving the field, while most of Jacobson's communication centred around his dialogue in team huddles.

The move is believed to be a first for New Zealand rugby.

"We acknowledge the need to provide a more fan-centric product and the use of player mics is a mechanism that gets fans closer to the action," said Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan.

"We have seen them used in other codes to good effect, and can give fans, coaches and players an insight into what is seen, felt, communicated and actioned on the field." 

Midfielder Quinn Tupaea also wore microphones during the Chiefs' pre-season fixtures in Japan and footage will feature in a planned documentary on the team hoping to improve on their runners-up finish last season.

"We are always looking at ways that we can innovate and how we can share more of what we do with our fans," said Chiefs chief executive Simon Graafhuis.

"The players and coaching group are really supportive of this initiative, and there are plans to extend this innovation to include the Super Rugby Pacific teams in New Zealand." 

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