It's
fast approaching 8pm on a Wednesday, and what do you instinctively
do?
...Switch
on 'Rugby Tonight' live on BT Sport of course!
If
Rugby Tonight was a flavour of crisp, I would definitely go for Steak
this season! This show has been meaty and wholesome,
but it actually supplies absolutely every flavour for family
entertainment, with live bands, mini 'Tour De Flats' remote control
cars, Mike Tindall on the toilet, Stuart Hooper in the bath, James
Haskell under the spray tan gun and Daws, Lol and Ben on Watt bikes
(a forfeit for losing the prediction on the top four clubs in the
Aviva Premiership and who would be relegated).
....Seriously, what more could you ask for?
....Seriously, what more could you ask for?
And
as this groundbreaking, inaugural TV show draws to a close (for now)
at the end of this spectacular rugby season, I want to reflect
on what a success 'Rugby Tonight' has been - and will continue to be
- as it is now so beautifully integrated into our rugby routines!
With
the average studio audience attendance breaking 100 per week, there
has never been any doubt that these live shows are informative and
intelligent as well as being infused with reliable comedy gold.
It
normally hits when Oz lowers his seat and makes his way to social
media. The light humour continues with caption competitions and
blistering banter – sometimes causing controversy – which Oz does
so well!
And
when the moment arrives to welcome the special guest or
guests of the week, the excitement is evident
and the traditional tunnel of rugby supporters cheer and
greet as the famous guest walks through.
But
on a serious note, the charity awareness raised by BT, including the
auction for the High
'n' Tight campaign, launched on behalf of the Matt Hampson foundation
and the memorabilia wall of auctionable items for charity,
demonstrate that BT have gone above and beyond and are wholeheartedly
involved.
With
rugby news and highlights of the Premiership and Top 14 being a
weekly feature, and the opportunity to vote on relevant rugby issues
on the Twitter opinion polls, ensure audiences are guaranteed an
update and insight into all the latest in the rugby world, as well as
being given a voice.
It's fair to say BT Sport has accomplished exactly what it set out to achieve; having welcomed at least one rugby player from each of the 12 Premiership Clubs with open arms into the Stratford Studio. And the players have laid themselves wide open to the experience, pawns in the palms of Ben and Oz when it comes to the jokers in the pack - but the trio of Bayfs, Lol and Daws keep the deadly duo in check, not to mention Sarra who referees and Craig who holds the fort!
It's fair to say BT Sport has accomplished exactly what it set out to achieve; having welcomed at least one rugby player from each of the 12 Premiership Clubs with open arms into the Stratford Studio. And the players have laid themselves wide open to the experience, pawns in the palms of Ben and Oz when it comes to the jokers in the pack - but the trio of Bayfs, Lol and Daws keep the deadly duo in check, not to mention Sarra who referees and Craig who holds the fort!
It's
fine-tuned, faultless and fabulous!
It
has even started a craze throughout the country - the
Smash-O-Meter! And yes, we've all giggled at James Haskell taking it
on the ferry for ‘Tour De Flats,’ but keep practising Hask,
I'm sure you'll be back for more next season to redeem yourself
from your disappointing score, but will you ever beat the Master
that is Mr Dallaglio? Well with an outstanding score of 101... Hask,
you might be phoning 101 if you cause yourself an injury!
And
no show would be complete either without the participation of teams
like the Super Marines, Teddington RFC, Olney RFC, Wanstead RFC
who have had the privilege of contributing to the
demo's week in week out; Giving a clear, concise analysis and
précis of certain phases of play, in a real scenario, on the pitch,
for those at home. A perfect snapshot for any rugby
novice or newbie!
There
have been so many memorable moments and laughs during ‘Rugby
Tonight’ and one word I would like to mention is consistency;
this show is consistently great and somewhat addictive and I'm sure
you'll all be back to tune in next season. I know I will!
And
let’s not forget all those that work behind the scenes to ensure
the cogs turn in tandem to make this show the best it can be.
Whatever our expectations were, well it’s exceeded them - wouldn't
you say?
And
what a way to top the season off; with David Flatman travelling to
Toulon to perform the Pilou Pilou! Genius.
The
journey the BT Sport team have embarked on has been remarkable
and the team have collectively captivated their audience from
start to finish.
But
this is a marathon - not a sprint - so I look forward to many
more episodes of ‘Rugby Tonight’ next season.
See
you on the other side!
