TNT Sports set to deliver unrivalled coverage of the 2023-24 Premiership Rugby season

Earlier this year, BT Media and Broadcast, BT Sport (now TNT Sports) and EE collaborated to enable a number of the matchday cameras to be connected via a standalone private 5G network it had installed at the ground at a Gallagher Premiership Rugby match on 21 May

Viewers will be treated to a feast of rugby union this season on TNT Sports with three live matches in addition to a host of new rugby programming across each Gallagher Premiership Rugby weekend from Friday to Sunday, each offering its own unique editorial approach.

Fans will have a new viewing destination as TNT Sports launches its domestic rugby coverage promising an immersive broadcast experience. discovery+ will be the new streaming home for Premiership Rugby – with live coverage, full match replays and extended highlights, plus live in-play timeline markers available so fans can choose to re-live key moments again and again.

TNT Sports’ coverage of the 2023/24 Premiership Rugby season will be produced by the award-winning production company, Buzz 16.

Scott Young, SVP content and production, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe said: “We are incredibly excited to be entering a new era of rugby coverage on TNT Sports, broadcasting one of the most compelling and entertaining domestic competitions in world sport.

“Our aim throughout the season will be to navigate a complete storytelling journey to enthuse new audiences and embrace the existing loyal fans – whether that be through innovations, on-screen talent or interaction with viewers. In partnership with Buzz 16, we plan to deliver bold and creative content which will capture the imagination of rugby’s extremely passionate following through a fresh-thinking editorial approach.

“As a broadcaster of premium sport, the objective is to elevate this fantastic competition to new heights, showcasing the high-level production values we always deliver to sports fans.”

Duncan East, managing director, Buzz 16, said: “Producing live Premiership Rugby for TNT Sports is beyond exciting, and our team can’t wait for the season to kick off.”

“Further extending our brilliant partnership with TNT, together 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.”

The Gallagher Premiership Rugby season kicks off with the Bristol Bears entertaining the Leicester Tigers on Friday 13 October, live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ from 7pm. 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’s action, presented by Craig Doyle, will go live on linear television following the conclusion of TNT Sports’ live Premier League fixture (on non-international football weekends). A short, sharp build-up will ensure back-to-back live premium sport is promptly delivered to fans craving their Saturday afternoon rugby experience.

Sunday’s live coverage 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. An all-encompassing fan-first show will offer the opportunity for indepth analysis and opinion from professionals and fans alike, coupled with interactive polls, so fans can feel immersed and demonstrate their passion and knowledge of the game.

Some of the biggest names in rugby will feature in live coverage offering expert analysis and insight to fans watching on TNT Sports’ platforms. Regular faces such as Ugo Monye, Lawrence Dallaglio, Emily Scarratt, Austin Healey and Ben Kay will give their thoughts throughout the season. Orla Chennaoui, meanwhile, joins as a new lead presenter with 2020 Premiership Rugby winner, Stuart Hogg, and former Leicester Tigers winger and England international, Chris Ashton, new additions for this season.

Working in collaboration with Premiership Rugby and Buzz16, new innovations and greater access will play a central role in delivering content to both educate and entertain TNT Sports’ audiences taking them closer to the action.

New broadcast innovations for the new season that TNT Sports viewers will be able to enjoy throughout the season are set to include:

• Changing room and in-play substitute interviews

• Real-time highlight clips from simultaneous live fixtures

• Mic’d up player warm-ups

• Cutting-edge multi-cam set-up

• BatCam, WireCam and CineCam functionality to deliver further perspectives and viewpoints

Produced by Buzz16 for TNT Sports, this 60 minute fly-on-the-wall documentary follows the highs and lows of Bristol Bisons – one of the world’s first inclusive and queer friendly rugby teams – on their quest to climb the league ladder, whilst experiencing the day-to-day lives of a selection of players and club operations.

Boasting a 60-plus strong membership, the Bristol Bisons welcome players, supporters, and coaches of all backgrounds, sexualities, and abilities. A club that has trailblazers and inspiring characters in its ranks delivers a unique and fun-filled story sure to appeal to sports fans up and down the country.

The documentary premieres on Friday 13 October on TNT Sports 1 at 10pm