Sport Industry Group

New ref link for SA rugby fans- 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00

South African rugby fans attending matches will now have the chance to listen to the referee from terraces after SARU agreed a deal with Sportscomm.



The product endorsed by the SA Rugby Referees’ Association is aimed at allowing fans the chance to hear every word of his comments to the players during a match.



Sportscomm made its debut at the FNB Stadium for Saturday’s Vodacom Tri-Nations international between the Springboks and New Zealand.



In future matches the product will be available from vendors outside the stadiums.



The device costs R160 and will have a battery life of 27 hours and will be active during Test matches and during Vodacom Super Rugby and Absa Currie Cup matches.

The manager of SARU referees has backed the product: ‘We welcome the fact that spectators can listen to the referee as it helps to understand the decisions, it will not only reduce questions but is also a wonderful educational tool, let alone enhancing the enjoyment of the match.’

Other SA rugby competitions where fans will also be able to use Sportscomm include all televised Absa Under-21 and Under19 Championships; the FNB Varsity Cup, the Coca-Cola Youth Weeks as well as at Vodacom Cup matches.



Spectators at South African school tournaments will also be able to listen to the referees’ calls with the device. 

The device will work for the rest of the 2010 season and will be operational until the end of 2011 season.

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