New European Rugby cup (or whatever it is called) - Qualification agreed

by geoff999rugby Thu 24 Oct 2013, 3:29 pm

First topic message reminder :

I have heard it is:

6 French
6 English
7 Pro12 (1 guaranteed from each country, 3 on league position)
1 play-off (7th English and 7th French team)

Trying to find out is correct as we speak

by mystiroakey Wed 30 Oct 2013, 2:52 pm

Munchkin wrote:
mystiroakey wrote:Munchkin if you can't interpret this data then thats not really my problem is it pal!
Now, mysteroakey, do try to remain calm.

I will try to explain in simple terms the problem I have with your fact.

You claim that BT Sport subscribers are adding by 'so many each day'. OK? My question is what evidence do you have in support of this? You then provide a link to a graph showing the BT UK market share of broadband subscribers, and not specifically BT Sport subscribers. So BT is increasing its market share of UK broadband, but you have not provided any evidence to suggest that along with this increase they are also increasing their number of BT sports subscribers, even if BT sport is free. Now, I have BT channels on my smart tv , and get a free channel, but I do not subscribe. The point being that although BT is there for me I don't subscribe to it, and instead watch most of my sport on BBC, and SKY.
What I would like to know is what is this increase of 'so many BT sport viewers, people actually watching BT Sport, every day' that you assert?

Ok your problem could be that you are basing everything on your OWN experience- you see you are similar to me in the fact that i have premium Virgin, so i didn't have to subscribe.

Many BT BB subscribers dont have the smart tv plugged into there BT BB..Which i take it in your case is the reason for it just coming on!

You see for instance I was at mums the other weekend. She has BT broadband, and she has free sky. Within seconds i had subscribed her freely to watch BT sport without her knowing about it. All we needed was her viewing card number and bt account number and away we went- Thats an extra subscription but nothing extra paid.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 30 Oct 2013, 2:53 pm

Scrumpy wrote:
Please try and think outside your own little goldfish bowls.

Please try and think outside your office. And I don't just mean your commute to work.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 30 Oct 2013, 2:55 pm

mystiroakey wrote:i have premium Virgin

Are you a suicide bomber?

by SecretFly Wed 30 Oct 2013, 2:56 pm

Scrumpy wrote:But surely the more people who become interested in Rugby Union is good for the game as a whole in the NH.

Please try and think outside your own little goldfish bowls.

BT deserve a

More PRL drones (em, followers) ?????????????

NO!

Mucho Bad for Rugby Union in the NH, methinks Wink

by mystiroakey Wed 30 Oct 2013, 2:58 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
mystiroakey wrote:i have premium Virgin
Are you a suicide bomber?

by Scrumpy Wed 30 Oct 2013, 2:58 pm

I used my office and staff as an example, I took it for granted that the average 606er would understand that!

How wrong was I thumbsup

I guess not everyone has fully developed in the brain cell department yet! (it is half term after all)

Laugh

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:03 pm

Scrumpy wrote:I used my office and staff as an example, I took it for granted that the average 606er would understand that!

How wrong was I

I guess not everyone has fully developed in the brain cell department yet! (it is half term after all)

We used to have a President who used to just have to "Look into his heart to know what the Irish people were thinking"

You are not quite as good at it as you have to actually "ask people in your office" Laugh

by Scrumpy Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:08 pm

606v2 does seem to go down hill during half term!

Roll on next week. Very Happy

by **Notch** Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:11 pm

There's nothing sadder than a stupid person who isn't smart enough to know they're being stupid.

Just an observation that I'm making at random with no real relation to anyone in here.

by **Notch** Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:14 pm

mystiroakey wrote:The disappointing viewing figures for PL through BT is due to the fact that most hardcore PL fans have sky already and they have more games than bt(5-1), and SKY dont offer bt sports for free. And now that sky are offering cheap bb with it means many subscribe to sky BB anyway..

So what does BT do.

1. outbid sky for the bulk of PL. INsanely expensive .

2. Or get as many other sports as possible.

I can't see how The Rugby championship will help viewing figures on its own, it already has the AP!!. It needs to try and get many lesser watched sports like cricket, golf, athletics, cycling, tennis etc

Maybe, but it's gonna be hard not to be a niche broadcaster if they can't get more football rights. Of course, doubling their expenditure on football is a massive risk. This is the same quandary every one who has gone toe to toe with Sky faces. Not for nothing have they seen off many rivals.

by Scrumpy Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:17 pm

The live audiences for Aviva Premiership Rugby Round 6 were:

• Bath Rugby v Gloucester Rugby - 167,000
• Northampton Saints v Saracens - 224,000
• London Wasps v Leicester Tigers - 276,000

Great stuff, may it continue.

http://www.premiershiprugby.com/news/29479.php

by quinsforever Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:17 pm

BT are not going to care about a few months worth of data. they have to cash resources and long term commitment to stick out the length of their contract (5 yrs? more?) and attempt to improve the format as they go along.

unless anyone thinks last weeks or next weeks match viewing figures are going to make them pull out of AP or RCC or stop sponsoring Scots teams, why is this discussion even happening?

by Portnoy's Complaint Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:36 pm

SecretFly wrote:that page appears dead to me Portnoy..?

I just retested the link, SF.

Try http://www.rfu.com/news from the news tab on the home site.

"28 October 2013
RWC 2003 reaction – Johnson demands improvement after Samoa scare"

Ten years old Very Happy

by **Notch** Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:36 pm

quinsforever wrote:BT are not going to care about a few months worth of data. they have to cash resources and long term commitment to stick out the length of their contract (5 yrs? more?) and attempt to improve the format as they go along.

unless anyone thinks last weeks or next weeks match viewing figures are going to make them pull out of AP or RCC or stop sponsoring Scots teams, why is this discussion even happening?

Well the PRL have obviously committed full steam ahead to BT, but there are obvious reservations in other camps. We could go one of two ways in terms of preferred broadcaster for any future European tournament. BT might outbid Sky in the short term but obviously the long-term viability of BT Sport and their long-term strategy is pretty relevant to their position in the market place.

by Scrumpy Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:41 pm

Why do people love to knock BT sport, they're doing a good job and helping the game to grow as far as I can see.

by SecretFly Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:41 pm

Portnoy's Complaint wrote:
SecretFly wrote:that page appears dead to me Portnoy..?
I just retested the link, SF.

Try http://www.rfu.com/news from the news tab on the home site.

"28 October 2013
RWC 2003 reaction – Johnson demands improvement after Samoa scare"

Ten years old

!! Oh dear. Oh dear, oh dear........................ oh dear, oh dear, oh dear............ Whistle

That'll be embarrassing when someone points it out to them. But Johnson is right... and glad to see him back.

by **Notch** Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:41 pm

Also the PRL approach of trying to lead us by the nose into the new era of BT without due process has understandably raised heckles right across Europe.

by quinsforever Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:42 pm

Notch wrote:
quinsforever wrote:BT are not going to care about a few months worth of data. they have to cash resources and long term commitment to stick out the length of their contract (5 yrs? more?) and attempt to improve the format as they go along.

unless anyone thinks last weeks or next weeks match viewing figures are going to make them pull out of AP or RCC or stop sponsoring Scots teams, why is this discussion even happening?
Well the PRL have obviously committed full steam ahead to BT, but there are obvious reservations in other camps. We could go one of two ways in terms of preferred broadcaster for any future European tournament. BT might outbid Sky in the short term but obviously the long-term viability of BT Sport and their long-term strategy is pretty relevant to their position in the market place.

not really. when making a risk assessment of a contract you only need worry about their ability to meet the terms of the contract financially. and BT will certainly be able to do that.

what valid reasons are you thinking of for BT being turned down by those with "reservations in other camps"?

by SecretFly Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:43 pm

Scrumpy wrote:Why do people love to knock BT sport, they're doing a good job and helping the game to grow as far as I can see.

Nothing agin' 'em,Scrumpy .... as long as they water their own flowers and try not to pish on other people's.

by **Notch** Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:47 pm

quinsforever wrote:
Notch wrote:
quinsforever wrote:BT are not going to care about a few months worth of data. they have to cash resources and long term commitment to stick out the length of their contract (5 yrs? more?) and attempt to improve the format as they go along.

unless anyone thinks last weeks or next weeks match viewing figures are going to make them pull out of AP or RCC or stop sponsoring Scots teams, why is this discussion even happening?
Well the PRL have obviously committed full steam ahead to BT, but there are obvious reservations in other camps. We could go one of two ways in terms of preferred broadcaster for any future European tournament. BT might outbid Sky in the short term but obviously the long-term viability of BT Sport and their long-term strategy is pretty relevant to their position in the market place.
not really. when making a risk assessment of a contract you only need worry about their ability to meet the terms of the contract financially. and BT will certainly be able to do that.

what valid reasons are you thinking of for BT being turned down by those with "reservations in other camps"?

-BT in very early days, may change strategy
-BTs long term Viability not clear
-BT approaching PRL, cutting out Unions and therefore causing instability in European Rugby
-Desire to co-ordinate international rights and club rights with one broadcast partner- how will letting European rugby go to BT affect future sales of International rights to Sky, can BT compete for these?
-Sky Sports having much greater subscription numbers and reach
-Sky Sports having done an excellent job growing and promoting ERC tournaments. Known quantity.

by Scrumpy Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:49 pm

SecretFly wrote:
Scrumpy wrote:Why do people love to knock BT sport, they're doing a good job and helping the game to grow as far as I can see.

Nothing agin' 'em,Scrumpy .... as long as they water their own flowers and try not to pish on other people's.

When have they tried to do that?

by quinsforever Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:53 pm

Notch wrote:
quinsforever wrote:
Notch wrote:
quinsforever wrote:BT are not going to care about a few months worth of data. they have to cash resources and long term commitment to stick out the length of their contract (5 yrs? more?) and attempt to improve the format as they go along.

unless anyone thinks last weeks or next weeks match viewing figures are going to make them pull out of AP or RCC or stop sponsoring Scots teams, why is this discussion even happening?
Well the PRL have obviously committed full steam ahead to BT, but there are obvious reservations in other camps. We could go one of two ways in terms of preferred broadcaster for any future European tournament. BT might outbid Sky in the short term but obviously the long-term viability of BT Sport and their long-term strategy is pretty relevant to their position in the market place.
not really. when making a risk assessment of a contract you only need worry about their ability to meet the terms of the contract financially. and BT will certainly be able to do that.

what valid reasons are you thinking of for BT being turned down by those with "reservations in other camps"?
-BT in very early days, may change strategy WHO CARES AS LONG AS THEY MEET THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT
-BTs long term Viability not clear WHO CARES AS LONG AS THEY MEET THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT
-BT approaching PRL, cutting out Unions and therefore causing instability in European Rugby WHO CARES AS LONG AS THEY MEET THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT - SENSIBILITIES NEED TO BE PUT TO ONE SIDE HERE
-Desire to co-ordinate international rights and club rights with one broadcast partner- how will letting European rugby go to BT affect future sales of International rights to Sky, can BT compete for these? ALWAYS BETTER TO HAVE CREDIBLE COMPETITORS BIDDING AGAINST EACH OTHER FOR TV RIGHTS
-Sky Sports having much greater subscription numbers and reach OBVIOUSLY, THEY ARE THE ENTRENCHED PLAYER. BT ARE GOING TO SPEND LOTS OF MONEY AND TIME TRYING TO BUILD A COMPETITIVE FRANCHISE. CONTENT IS KING - HENCE WHY RUGBY SHOULD EXTRACT GOOD MONEY.
-Sky Sports having done an excellent job growing and promoting ERC tournaments. Known quantity.

I THINK THE TOURNAMENT PROMOTES ITSELF. CROSS BORDER COMPETITION. NATIONAL RIVALRIES. KNOCKOUT FORMAT. CONTENT IS KING.

apols for caps - easier than bolding or italicising.

by SecretFly Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:53 pm

Scrumpy wrote:
SecretFly wrote:
Scrumpy wrote:Why do people love to knock BT sport, they're doing a good job and helping the game to grow as far as I can see.

Nothing agin' 'em,Scrumpy .... as long as they water their own flowers and try not to pish on other people's.
When have they tried to do that?

By offering money stamped to PRL designed terms and conditions.

by Scrumpy Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:54 pm

Notch wrote:
quinsforever wrote:
Notch wrote:
quinsforever wrote:BT are not going to care about a few months worth of data. they have to cash resources and long term commitment to stick out the length of their contract (5 yrs? more?) and attempt to improve the format as they go along.

unless anyone thinks last weeks or next weeks match viewing figures are going to make them pull out of AP or RCC or stop sponsoring Scots teams, why is this discussion even happening?
Well the PRL have obviously committed full steam ahead to BT, but there are obvious reservations in other camps. We could go one of two ways in terms of preferred broadcaster for any future European tournament. BT might outbid Sky in the short term but obviously the long-term viability of BT Sport and their long-term strategy is pretty relevant to their position in the market place.
not really. when making a risk assessment of a contract you only need worry about their ability to meet the terms of the contract financially. and BT will certainly be able to do that.

what valid reasons are you thinking of for BT being turned down by those with "reservations in other camps"?
-BT in very early days, may change strategy
-BTs long term Viability not clear
-BT approaching PRL, cutting out Unions and therefore causing instability in European Rugby
-Desire to co-ordinate international rights and club rights with one broadcast partner- how will letting European rugby go to BT affect future sales of International rights to Sky, can BT compete for these?
-Sky Sports having much greater subscription numbers and reach
-Sky Sports having done an excellent job growing and promoting ERC tournaments. Known quantity.

Does Sky have greater subscription numbers?
Have Sky done a 'excellent job' when BT have only had the Eng Prem for a few months and the figures are already at a higher level?

by SecretFly Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:56 pm

We're getting into the Profit and Viewing Figures Champions Cup again folks!!!!!

WARNING!

by Cyril Wed 30 Oct 2013, 3:58 pm

It does make me laugh that people are painting Sky as being a benevolent broadcaster in order to compare favourably with the rising evil of BT Laugh

I think the BT Sport coverage is pretty good* and, between their coverage and Sky, I'm delighted to be able to watch several games over a weekend.

However, I'm a mindless automaton who naively believes all the hype and secretly want to gloat over the embers of European rugby.

*I'm not really interested in the studio 'fun and games with Healy et al' and could do without that grinning berk, Craig Doyle.

by **Notch** Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:00 pm

Yeah, see, the IRFU really doesn't care about the English Premiership. Or even the Amlin. Both tournaments that, in my opinion, Sky has not done a good job and therefore I understand the PRLs frustration with them.

The IRFU cares above all else about the international game, with the top-tier European rugby and Pro12 also of concern. Different set of priorities = different criteria for broadcast partners. Sensibilities need to be set aside, but no-one is going to be jumping on the BT gravy train until we actually see some contracts!

by Scrumpy Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:01 pm

SecretFly wrote:We're getting into the Profit and Viewing Figures Champions Cup again folks!!!!!

WARNING!

I guess its human instinct to fear the unknown and change.

I think the main reason people fear BT is because of what the 'B' stands for!

by doctor_grey Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:02 pm

quinsforever wrote:
Notch wrote:
quinsforever wrote:
Notch wrote:
quinsforever wrote:BT are not going to care about a few months worth of data. they have to cash resources and long term commitment to stick out the length of their contract (5 yrs? more?) and attempt to improve the format as they go along.

unless anyone thinks last weeks or next weeks match viewing figures are going to make them pull out of AP or RCC or stop sponsoring Scots teams, why is this discussion even happening?
Well the PRL have obviously committed full steam ahead to BT, but there are obvious reservations in other camps. We could go one of two ways in terms of preferred broadcaster for any future European tournament. BT might outbid Sky in the short term but obviously the long-term viability of BT Sport and their long-term strategy is pretty relevant to their position in the market place.
not really. when making a risk assessment of a contract you only need worry about their ability to meet the terms of the contract financially. and BT will certainly be able to do that.

what valid reasons are you thinking of for BT being turned down by those with "reservations in other camps"?
-BT in very early days, may change strategy WHO CARES AS LONG AS THEY MEET THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT
-BTs long term Viability not clear WHO CARES AS LONG AS THEY MEET THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT
-BT approaching PRL, cutting out Unions and therefore causing instability in European Rugby WHO CARES AS LONG AS THEY MEET THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT - SENSIBILITIES NEED TO BE PUT TO ONE SIDE HERE
-Desire to co-ordinate international rights and club rights with one broadcast partner- how will letting European rugby go to BT affect future sales of International rights to Sky, can BT compete for these? ALWAYS BETTER TO HAVE CREDIBLE COMPETITORS BIDDING AGAINST EACH OTHER FOR TV RIGHTS
-Sky Sports having much greater subscription numbers and reach OBVIOUSLY, THEY ARE THE ENTRENCHED PLAYER. BT ARE GOING TO SPEND LOTS OF MONEY AND TIME TRYING TO BUILD A COMPETITIVE FRANCHISE. CONTENT IS KING - HENCE WHY RUGBY SHOULD EXTRACT GOOD MONEY.
-Sky Sports having done an excellent job growing and promoting ERC tournaments. Known quantity.
I THINK THE TOURNAMENT PROMOTES ITSELF. CROSS BORDER COMPETITION. NATIONAL RIVALRIES. KNOCKOUT FORMAT. CONTENT IS KING.

apols for caps - easier than bolding or italicising.

Mate, I have to disagree somewhat. I think the tournament promotes itself amongst core Rugby fans. But amongst fringe fans and people we are trying to bring to Rugby to grow the sport, we need a strong cross-border marketing plan. BT does present the unique business opportunity to hitch our wagon to a company trying to build a business. So they spend significant funds to grow their business and, if they are successful, we grow too. It does represent a risk, no doubt, but possibly a good one to try?

by SecretFly Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:02 pm

Okay, the BT Sky Champions Cup then. Make up yor mind guys, McCafferty is getting impatient with all this tittle tattle Title negotiations stalling effort

by **Notch** Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:04 pm

Cyril wrote:It does make me laugh that people are painting Sky as being a benevolent broadcaster in order to compare favourably with the rising evil of BT

Oh Sky are a shower of Basterauds I would be very glad to be shot of them in general. No-one is framing this in terms of 'good guys' or 'bad guys'. Thats just silly. They are businesses. There are no good guys in business really. I'm just playing Devil's Advocate and trying to represent the other side of the debate.

I get why BT are the perfect fit for the PRL right now- people have just got to grasp that the PRL are just one part of this.

by SecretFly Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:04 pm

Scrumpy wrote:
SecretFly wrote:We're getting into the Profit and Viewing Figures Champions Cup again folks!!!!!

WARNING!

I guess its human instinct to fear the unknown and change.

I think the main reason people fear BT is because of what the 'B' stands for!

.......................... Don't tempt me, Scrumpy. Do Not Tempt Me.................... Wink

by **Notch** Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:05 pm

Scrumpy wrote:
SecretFly wrote:We're getting into the Profit and Viewing Figures Champions Cup again folks!!!!!

WARNING!

I guess its human instinct to fear the unknown and change.

I think the main reason people fear BT is because of what the 'B' stands for!

Sky have shown much more interest in the Irish market with their rugby coverage than BT who are targeting England.

by Scrumpy Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:12 pm

Notch wrote:
Scrumpy wrote:
SecretFly wrote:We're getting into the Profit and Viewing Figures Champions Cup again folks!!!!!

WARNING!

I guess its human instinct to fear the unknown and change.

I think the main reason people fear BT is because of what the 'B' stands for!
Sky have shown much more interest in the Irish market with their rugby coverage than BT who are targeting England.

BT Sport have only been running for a few months, give them a chance!

by mystiroakey Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:14 pm

Notch wrote:
Scrumpy wrote:
SecretFly wrote:We're getting into the Profit and Viewing Figures Champions Cup again folks!!!!!

WARNING!

I guess its human instinct to fear the unknown and change.

I think the main reason people fear BT is because of what the 'B' stands for!
Sky have shown much more interest in the Irish market with their rugby coverage than BT who are targeting England.

which off course is completely insane as SKY SPORTS is operated by BSB

guess what the B stands for in the later!!

by SecretFly Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:15 pm

Scrumpy wrote:
Notch wrote:
Scrumpy wrote:
SecretFly wrote:We're getting into the Profit and Viewing Figures Champions Cup again folks!!!!!

WARNING!

I guess its human instinct to fear the unknown and change.

I think the main reason people fear BT is because of what the 'B' stands for!
Sky have shown much more interest in the Irish market with their rugby coverage than BT who are targeting England.
BT Sport have only been running for a few months, give them a chance!

Well, if they want to come over for a chat in the next few years, just tell them to leave PRL at home.

by SecretFly Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:16 pm

Seems a lot of these companies have Basteraud in the title!!?? Hmmm,the plot thickens.

by stub Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:17 pm

Scrumpy wrote:
Notch wrote:
Scrumpy wrote:
SecretFly wrote:We're getting into the Profit and Viewing Figures Champions Cup again folks!!!!!

WARNING!

I guess its human instinct to fear the unknown and change.

I think the main reason people fear BT is because of what the 'B' stands for!
Sky have shown much more interest in the Irish market with their rugby coverage than BT who are targeting England.
BT Sport have only been running for a few months, give them a chance!

BT are sponsoring PRO12 sides aren't they? So maybe they're looking further afield.

by quinsforever Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:17 pm

doc grey - "Mate, I have to disagree somewhat. I think the tournament promotes itself amongst core Rugby fans. But amongst fringe fans and people we are trying to bring to Rugby to grow the sport, we need a strong cross-border marketing plan. BT does present the unique business opportunity to hitch our wagon to a company trying to build a business. So they spend significant funds to grow their business and, if they are successful, we grow too. It does represent a risk, no doubt, but possibly a good one to try?"

i agree with what you say. but i think it is the responsibility of ERC or RCC to grow the club game, not the broadcaster. BT or SKY just bid for whatever the ERC or RCC decides to parcel up in whatever format they do it. BT/SKY are not bringing a blueprint for how to grow the game, the engine for that has to be ERC or RCC.

and its pretty clear to me that ERC was more concerned with the status quo. but then of course i would say that.

by Scrumpy Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:18 pm

mystiroakey wrote:
Notch wrote:
Scrumpy wrote:
SecretFly wrote:We're getting into the Profit and Viewing Figures Champions Cup again folks!!!!!

WARNING!

I guess its human instinct to fear the unknown and change.

I think the main reason people fear BT is because of what the 'B' stands for!
Sky have shown much more interest in the Irish market with their rugby coverage than BT who are targeting England.
which off course is completely insane as SKY SPORTS is operated by BSB

guess what the B stands for in the later!!

I know, but I couldn't resist! thumbsup

by SecretFly Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:21 pm

quinsforever wrote:

i agree with what you say. but i think it is the responsibility of ERC or RCC to grow the club game, not the broadcaster. BT or SKY just bid for whatever the ERC or RCC decides to parcel up in whatever format they do it. BT/SKY are not bringing a blueprint for how to grow the game, the engine for that has to be ERC or RCC.

We finally agree on a paragraph of words, quins.

And of course that means PRL should never have been joined at the hip to BT's European money offer. That should have been a bidding war between Sky and BT invited by an old or new body that was already up and running and operating in the combined interests of all.

by mystiroakey Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:22 pm

Scrumpy wrote:
mystiroakey wrote:
Notch wrote:
Scrumpy wrote:
SecretFly wrote:We're getting into the Profit and Viewing Figures Champions Cup again folks!!!!!

WARNING!

I guess its human instinct to fear the unknown and change.

I think the main reason people fear BT is because of what the 'B' stands for!
Sky have shown much more interest in the Irish market with their rugby coverage than BT who are targeting England.
which off course is completely insane as SKY SPORTS is operated by BSB

guess what the B stands for in the later!!
I know, but I couldn't resist!

there is probably some truth in it though dude. Its just insane how certain people may feel about the term british- its just a word..

by Portnoy's Complaint Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:24 pm

Notch wrote:
Scrumpy wrote:
SecretFly wrote:We're getting into the Profit and Viewing Figures Champions Cup again folks!!!!!

WARNING!

I guess its human instinct to fear the unknown and change.

I think the main reason people fear BT is because of what the 'B' stands for!
Sky have shown much more interest in the Irish market with their rugby coverage than BT who are targeting England.

Has to be said, Notch, that they would do that wouldn't they?

I really enjoy the Barnes-free zone that is BTS.
But I'm really concerned about a second RU schism.

You have to wonder how bad things must have been in the ERC prior to the bombshell for this almighty co ck-up to have made it impossible to make discussion nigh impossible before the 6/12 PRL/LNE announcement.

by SecretFly Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:36 pm

There is no surprise really that a group of people in one room, running one organisation, could hate each other's guts.

That's as old as time and as crowded as history and a well plotted grim human reality. America/England/France and Russia...allies? For as long as it took...yes.

I guess I'm trying to say that ERC was what it was because it was made up of the distinct, self-interested units it was made up of.

The new organisation, if we get that far, will be the same. A cautious company of suspicion and divergent self-interest trying to work closely enough to make something work. But no love. Love is fantasy, and will continue to be in any new 'family arrangement'

by **profitius** Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:42 pm

Scrumpy wrote:The live audiences for Aviva Premiership Rugby Round 6 were:

• Bath Rugby v Gloucester Rugby - 167,000
• Northampton Saints v Saracens - 224,000
• London Wasps v Leicester Tigers - 276,000

Great stuff, may it continue.

http://www.premiershiprugby.com/news/29479.php

Wasn't BT sports free all last weekend?

by **profitius** Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:44 pm

I read an good take on last weeks unions announcement. Gerry Thornley reckons the unions were calling the Franglos bluff. Up to now it has been made out that the unions are the ones not budging but now the ball is in the franglos court.

by Don Alfonso Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:46 pm

profitius wrote:
Scrumpy wrote:The live audiences for Aviva Premiership Rugby Round 6 were:

• Bath Rugby v Gloucester Rugby - 167,000
• Northampton Saints v Saracens - 224,000
• London Wasps v Leicester Tigers - 276,000

Great stuff, may it continue.

http://www.premiershiprugby.com/news/29479.php
Wasn't BT sports free all last weekend?

Much more healthy than the 20,000. But did they only televise three games?

by Scrumpy Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:49 pm

profitius wrote:
Scrumpy wrote:The live audiences for Aviva Premiership Rugby Round 6 were:

• Bath Rugby v Gloucester Rugby - 167,000
• Northampton Saints v Saracens - 224,000
• London Wasps v Leicester Tigers - 276,000

Great stuff, may it continue.

http://www.premiershiprugby.com/news/29479.php
Wasn't BT sports free all last weekend?

That is indeed true.

Its free all the time if you sign up to BT broadband! thumbsup

by SecretFly Wed 30 Oct 2013, 4:58 pm

Scrumpy wrote:

Its free all the time if you sign up to BT broadband!

And actually 50% off the free offer if you promote them in social media...so certainly not to be sniffed at.

by mystiroakey Wed 30 Oct 2013, 5:03 pm

fly all you are doing is promoting SKY.. Which in essence is crazy. We need the two fighting over rugby's rights to secure a better future- yes this time its been a mess, but this is only the now.. the future is infinite!

by Sponsored content