Think of the fans: Why stadium experience matters as much as TV production October 9, 2023 It feels like we’re at a new low point for customer experience. After Covid, the services we used to rely on seem like they’re getting worse. Of course, it’s understandable how shutting the world down for two years is going to have an impact on fragile supply systems but the pandemic has also reset our [...]
Golfers can play for brand value at Olympics and Ryder Cup, not a pay cheque October 5, 2023 This week’s Ed Warner column looks at the Patrick Cantlay “pay or no pay” discussion and how Olympians can only dream of being in a situation where they don’t need payment to compete at the highest level. Can those Ryder Cup golfers simply increase their brand value by rubbing shoulders with Olympians in Paris next [...]
England need best players playing in Premiership, says Care October 3, 2023 England international Danny Care has said he sees the positives of proposed hybrid international contracts if it keeps the country’s top rugby players in the English Premiership. A number of stars, such as Henry Arundell and Jack Willis, have fled overseas after the collapse of the rugby clubs last season while the surviving 10 outfits [...]
RFU must fix Championship funding after Jersey collapse, says Pirates CEO September 28, 2023 Championship Rugby club Cornish Pirates’ chief executive has called on the RFU to review their funding of the second tier following the collapse of Jersey Reds. Rebecca Thomas has told City A.M. that all clubs are in the same financial boat after Jersey ceased trading on Thursday morning and that the governing body must review [...]
Rugby World Cup matches could soon be locked behind paywall September 26, 2023 Rugby World Cup matches could be locked behind a paywall, with the next tournament in 2027 set for dramatic changes in how it is broadcast and staged. Whereas the Fifa World Cup in its entirety must be on free-to-air television due to being on the UK government’s protected list of “crown jewels”, only the Rugby [...]
Where to watch England in the Rugby World Cup in London September 21, 2023 England take on Chile this weekend in the Rugby World Cup before the big game of the weekend, Ireland versus South Africa. Here are some hot spots in London to take in the rugby atmosphere. Tsaretta Spice, Twickenham Everybody loves an Indian after some live sport and Tsaretta Spice in Twickenham offers up some corking [...]
Former Wasps chair acquires Worcester Warriors but only wants lease September 18, 2023 The Worcester Warriors rugby brand has changed ownership yet again after former Wasps owner Christopher Holland was confirmed as an individual with significant control in the club’s parent company. Holland, through Loxwood Holdings Limited, acquired a 97 per cent stake in Atlas Worcester Warriors Rugby Club Limited, documents on Companies House confirmed yesterday. But in [...]
‘ITV offering at Rugby World Cup isn’t good enough. They must do better’ September 11, 2023 A lot has been made of this Rugby World Cup potentially being the reset point for a sport that’s in dire need of reinvigoration. So, then, why are we standing by while its broadcast offering in the United Kingdom looks lethargic, dated and lazy? On the opening night ITV broadcast the wrong scoreline at the [...]
City A.M. debate: Should the Middle East host Champions cup rugby? September 8, 2023 Last Monday, City A.M. exclusively reported that both the United States and Middle East had bid to host rugby’s Champions Cup final. And while there was general disdain towards the idea from fans, a significant proportion of that was directed towards the idea of the Middle East – and Saudi Arabia in particular. Here City [...]
Ed Warner: Will this really be the best Rugby World Cup ever? September 7, 2023 Are you ready for the best ever Rugby World Cup? A tournament for the ages? Two phrases that would best be banned, argues Ed Warner.