Nice to see the press covering the issue

by Chunky Norwich Mon 31 Aug 2015, 9:56 am

Peter Jackson of the rugby paper:

Nice to see the press covering the issue Pro12a10

by Guest Mon 31 Aug 2015, 11:39 am

boo hoo

by Stone Motif Mon 31 Aug 2015, 11:43 am

Chunky Norwich wrote:Peter Jackson of the rugby paper:

Here's hoping we can get the runaround to Gloucester,Leicester,Exeter etc sooner rather than later

by Chunky Norwich Mon 31 Aug 2015, 12:27 pm

+1

Stone Motif

by Chunky Norwich Mon 31 Aug 2015, 12:27 pm

Munchkin wrote:boo hoo

"I'm alright jack"

by Guest Mon 31 Aug 2015, 12:36 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:
Munchkin wrote:boo hoo

"I'm alright jack"

And long may that continue.

by LordDowlais Mon 31 Aug 2015, 12:48 pm

The pro Irish favouritism of our league is what makes it a joke. Everybody outside of Ireland can see it, and you know what ? I reckon the Irish know it as well, but they would never admit it.

by Guest Mon 31 Aug 2015, 12:55 pm

LordDowlais wrote:The pro Irish favouritism of our league is what makes it a joke. Everybody outside of Ireland can see it, and you know what ? I reckon the Irish know it as well, but they would never admit it.

"blah blah grumble moan blah blah grumble grumble whine bitch moan......"

by LordDowlais Mon 31 Aug 2015, 12:58 pm

Munchkin wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:The pro Irish favouritism of our league is what makes it a joke. Everybody outside of Ireland can see it, and you know what ? I reckon the Irish know it as well, but they would never admit it.

"blah blah grumble moan blah blah grumble grumble whine bitch moan......"

Point proved. Rolling Eyes

by Guest Mon 31 Aug 2015, 12:59 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:The pro Irish favouritism of our league is what makes it a joke. Everybody outside of Ireland can see it, and you know what ? I reckon the Irish know it as well, but they would never admit it.

"blah blah grumble moan blah blah grumble grumble whine bitch moan......"

Point proved.

by marty2086 Mon 31 Aug 2015, 1:28 pm

LordDowlais wrote:The pro Irish favouritism of our league is what makes it a joke. Everybody outside of Ireland can see it, and you know what ? I reckon the Irish know it as well, but they would never admit it.

As the Joker would say AND HERE...WE GO

Are Welsh fans being shafted? YES!

The problem is your ignorance on the subject, Ulster having consistent kick off times isn't the sign of Irish favouritism just ask fans of Munster, Leinster and Connacht its all down to the WRU and Welsh broadcasters.

Ulsters matches were kicking off at 19.05 on Friday because it suited BBC NI, it didn't suit Ulster because it left fans in a rush to get to the game on time so they asked for BBC NI to move this back to 19.35. This is down to having one host broadcaster and having a good working relationship.

by **Notch** Mon 31 Aug 2015, 3:26 pm

Every time this comes up it's pointed out that its down to the TV broadcasting deals, and every time that is ignored so the usual suspects can have a groundless pop at the Irish.

Unless you want the IRFU to negotiate all your TV deals for you then I still don't see what it has to do with us.

by Guest Mon 31 Aug 2015, 3:32 pm

Exactly, Notch. The 'I'm all right, Jack' accusation levelled at me is fairly correct. It's not Ulster's problem, and not a problem that concerns us, or the IRFU. It's very much a Welsh problem, and instead of moaning about it, and finger pointing at the IRFU/Ulster, they should vent their ire at the Regions, the WRU and the broadcasters.

Won't happen though.

by **Notch** Mon 31 Aug 2015, 3:39 pm

'I'm alright Jack' is used as a criticism of people who benefit from a system that unfairly disadvantages others. If there was one centrally-negotiated TV deal where the Irish teams got preferential treatment over everyone else, it would be a scandal. And it would be valid to complain

But actually thats not the case at all. The Welsh regions and WRU between them are in complete control of their own destiny regarding negotiating TV deals. If they want to change the situation they have all the tools to do it themselves.

It's not that I don't care about the incompetence of both the regions and the Union in this regard, and in general. A strong Wales makes for a stronger Pro12 and I hope they manage to resolve this issue, and their many other issues. But it really is something we in Ireland have zero influence over and it's tedious to watch the usual bigots tie themselves in knots in order to drag us into something which really has nothing to do with us.

by marty2086 Mon 31 Aug 2015, 3:59 pm

Notch wrote:'I'm alright Jack' is used as a criticism of people who benefit from a system that unfairly disadvantages others. If there was one centrally-negotiated TV deal where the Irish teams got preferential treatment over everyone else, it would be a scandal. And it would be valid to complain

But actually thats not the case at all. The Welsh regions and WRU between them are in complete control of their own destiny regarding negotiating TV deals. If they want to change the situation they have all the tools to do it themselves.

It's not that I don't care about the incompetence of both the regions and the Union in this regard, and in general. A strong Wales makes for a stronger Pro12 and I hope they manage to resolve this issue, and their many other issues. But it really is something we in Ireland have zero influence over and it's tedious to watch the usual bigots tie themselves in knots in order to drag us into something which really has nothing to do with us.

Because the Pro12 are part of the negotiations for tv deals they get the blame as if the regions are only told after the fact.

One of four getting something isn't a sign of a collective getting favourable treatment

Maybe its time Welsh fans and those of the regions in particular ask why public service broadcasters with no ad revenue are paying so much for the rights at the expense of the fans who want to go to games on a regular basis

by Cardiff Dave Mon 31 Aug 2015, 10:04 pm

My memory is a bit hazy, but i'm sure I remember Norster promising/mentioning/guessing/making it up as he goes along, that there'd be more Saturday kick offs. Then CCS happened and out of the bloo, a Thursday ko appeared. Happy days.

by Guest Mon 31 Aug 2015, 10:41 pm

Notch wrote:'I'm alright Jack' is used as a criticism of people who benefit from a system that unfairly disadvantages others. If there was one centrally-negotiated TV deal where the Irish teams got preferential treatment over everyone else, it would be a scandal. And it would be valid to complain

But actually thats not the case at all. The Welsh regions and WRU between them are in complete control of their own destiny regarding negotiating TV deals. If they want to change the situation they have all the tools to do it themselves.

It's not that I don't care about the incompetence of both the regions and the Union in this regard, and in general. A strong Wales makes for a stronger Pro12 and I hope they manage to resolve this issue, and their many other issues. But it really is something we in Ireland have zero influence over and it's tedious to watch the usual bigots tie themselves in knots in order to drag us into something which really has nothing to do with us.

I'm taking the 'I'm all right Jack' to mean 'so long as I'm ok'. Not entirely true about how I feel, but the fact is the Regions broadcasting deal isn't a fault that lies with the IRFU, or Ulster, who they tend to be fond citing in their 'it's not fair' moans.

by Steffan Mon 31 Aug 2015, 10:50 pm

I can't believe the press bothered to print this pointless rubbish. I expect some clown at the Western Fail will pick up on this and do some big article on it though

by Cardiff Dave Mon 31 Aug 2015, 10:58 pm

Steffan wrote:I can't believe the press bothered to print this pointless rubbish. I expect some clown at the Western Fail will pick up on this and do some big article on it though

Doubt it.

by **profitius** Tue 01 Sep 2015, 12:42 am

I don't know about any other teams but I do know that Munster fans have been complaining for years about kick off times. Friday night matches prevent a lot of people going.

by thebandwagonsociety Tue 01 Sep 2015, 1:17 pm

I'm curious, when over a weekend do Welsh fans want their regions playing? I get it that it is the fault of the Irish that the games are put on by BBC Wales when they are. What times are they meant to be on though?

by mikey_dragon Tue 01 Sep 2015, 9:57 pm

thebandwagonsociety wrote:I'm curious, when over a weekend do Welsh fans want their regions playing? I get it that it is the fault of the Irish that the games are put on by BBC Wales when they are. What times are they meant to be on though?

As a Dragons fan I'd preferably like less on a Friday night. I don't quite mind sunday, because without rugby a sunday is rather boring. But as it stands we have a lot of Friday night games at inconvenient times, I'm not entirely sure whether it's down to the ground-share or BBC Wales.

by Guest Tue 01 Sep 2015, 10:58 pm

mikey, would many Dragons fans actually prefer Sundays? I can imagine most wouldn't welcome Sunday games initially, but some might actually prefer it to others once they accept the positives. Such as brightening up a Sunday.

by Guest Tue 01 Sep 2015, 11:04 pm

Friday night lights for me. Always more of a buzz. Sundays are generally flat atmosphere wise. A game under the lights has a bigger appeal to me. I'd rather a Sunday be for a big roast dinner to soak up a two day hangover from watching Friday and playing on a Saturday.

by bedfordwelsh Tue 01 Sep 2015, 11:12 pm

I hate Sunday games, if the choice was a Friday or Sunday then Fridays would get my choice.

by XR Wed 02 Sep 2015, 8:58 am

Friday nights

Saturday's are for community rugby

by mikey_dragon Wed 02 Sep 2015, 10:43 am

Sunday's are for the mini's. But occasionally I don't mind a Dragons game on that day. Other nights are perhaps better for reasons mentioned. A game on Friday evening should be as late as possible; 19:30 KO is a sensible time.

How do supporters feel about European games on a Thursday and Saturday?

by Guest Wed 02 Sep 2015, 2:26 pm

True, Sunday games are a bit flat, even if games add a little interest to a Sunday.

Agree on Friday KO being as late as possible, mikey.
Friday isn't ideal for a lot of working fans, fans with families, and those who have to travel more than 30 minutes. BBCNI helped with that by moving the time back from 7:05pm to 7:35pm.

by Steffan Wed 02 Sep 2015, 3:08 pm

Sunday games just don't seem to work in rugby. The mad thing is though in football quite often the biggest games are on a Sunday and I've been sat in the pub where it is really full for say...Man Utd v Liverpool at a packed Old Trafford. I always used to quite like Friday rugby but I guess it is hard for people with families who can't just go staright from work

by thebandwagonsociety Wed 02 Sep 2015, 3:09 pm

Why was it originally a 7:05pm kick off? Were they looking to have the match broadcast finished for 9:00 so they could switch into the prime evening programming?

I remember having a load of home Friday night games a few seasons back (we don't get many anymore). As I work a 20 minute walk from the stadium it was a great way to finish off a working week and declare the start of the weekend. But anyone who had families or had to commute an hour to and from the game just found it too late entirely.

I'm surprised Sunday get's so many votes above. I always found the weekend over, you couldn't 'go crazy' cos there was work in the morning, the atmosphere in the stands usually was that like the couch at home after christmas dinner (somethings on the tv but really you just want to have a nap).................... man that makes me sound so old.

by Guest Wed 02 Sep 2015, 4:13 pm

I think 7:05pm was the best slot for BBCNI. Not sure of the reason. I think Ulster rugby asked them to move it back, and I guess BBCNI competing against other broadcasters give us a bit of leverage. There's a very good working relationship between the two anyway. If I had a choice, I would have BBCNI over SKY, or anyone else, but that might change regardless. So long as they don't change our Fridays. Fridays are tradition now. It would be great if all sides had a settled time, but we are all under the thumb of the broadcasters.

by **Notch** Wed 02 Sep 2015, 4:20 pm

thebandwagonsociety wrote:Why was it originally a 7:05pm kick off? Were they looking to have the match broadcast finished for 9:00 so they could switch into the prime evening programming?

I think so. Unfortunately getting out of work, getting food and getting to the ground for 7pm is a tall order for a lot of people in Belfast. If you're coming from outside forget about it. Thankfully they seem to be pushing the kickoffs back by half an hour.

by Chunky Norwich Fri 04 Sep 2015, 9:51 am

Hopefully more of the press will pick up on this issue now, and there will be more discussion about the unlevel playing field in this god awful league.

by PhilBB Fri 04 Sep 2015, 9:57 am

gcBlues wrote:Friday nights

Saturday's are for community rugby

Tail wagging the dog in pro sport. How village.

by PhilBB Fri 04 Sep 2015, 9:57 am

Anybody know how much BBC NI pay for the coverage and how much of that the IRFU keep?

by marty2086 Fri 04 Sep 2015, 11:30 am

Chunky Norwich wrote:Hopefully more of the press will pick up on this issue now, and there will be more discussion about the unlevel playing field in this god awful league.

Doctor, hes gotten out again

by Chunky Norwich Fri 04 Sep 2015, 11:32 am

marty2086 wrote:
Chunky Norwich wrote:Hopefully more of the press will pick up on this issue now, and there will be more discussion about the unlevel playing field in this god awful league.

Doctor, hes gotten out again

"I'm alright Jack"

by marty2086 Fri 04 Sep 2015, 12:09 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:
marty2086 wrote:
Chunky Norwich wrote:Hopefully more of the press will pick up on this issue now, and there will be more discussion about the unlevel playing field in this god awful league.

Doctor, hes gotten out again

"I'm alright Jack"

Nothing like rehashing old material

by Chunky Norwich Sun 20 Sep 2015, 7:30 pm

Encouraging to see continued efforts in the press around this. We must ensure awareness is raised about this constant Irish card sharpening of the PrO'12.

Nice to see the press covering the issue Trp10

Nice to see the press covering the issue Trp10

by Marshes Sun 20 Sep 2015, 8:09 pm

Letter from a fan to fill column inches = continued efforts in the press. Whatever you say. Mr. Maskell there also seems to at least partially lay responsibility on the lack of foresight in the regions, unlike your good self. But don't let that stop you dusting off the old threads Chunky.

For the record Connacht have three friday and three saturday home games before Christmas. They kicked off the Pro 12 in week 1 and it wasn't even anywhere on TV!

by Guest Sun 20 Sep 2015, 8:18 pm

Ha! Someone (possibly you, Chunky) adds a comment to what is possibly a local rag, and you try to spin it as "press coverage".

Only in your world,Chunky : )

by LeinsterFan4life Sun 20 Sep 2015, 8:26 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:Encouraging to see continued efforts in the press around this. We must ensure awareness is raised about this constant Irish card sharpening of the PrO'12.

What does it matter what day or when the regions play? sure the fans aren't going to turn up anyway. Leinster had to play on the same day (a Sunday) against the Dragons as Ireland were playing Wales in the 6N, resulting in our lowest attended match since 2010. Nobody here complained...

by SecretFly Sun 20 Sep 2015, 8:47 pm

My, my... Rich Maskell, "Annoyed from EMail", and obviously a paid up member of The F**k Pro12 United Front shares Peter Jackson's views.....?

"We do not want our teams to play on Friday, Saturday or Sunday as they happen close to or on a weekend and we have to mow our lawns - we do have lawns in Wales, you know - unlike them other uncultured wild places. We don't want to play in any of the 24 hours either by the way as we'll be having visitors for tea mostly, and leaving them to go to a match would be very rude indeed"

by TJ Tue 22 Sep 2015, 7:28 am

LordDowlais wrote:The pro Irish favouritism of our league is what makes it a joke. Everybody outside of Ireland can see it, and you know what ? I reckon the Irish know it as well, but they would never admit it.

Nonsense - I am not in Ireland and I know this "pro Ireland Bias" only exists in the minds of a few who like to find excuses for their teams falures. Its bilgewater

by carpet baboon Tue 22 Sep 2015, 9:01 am

So the WRU regional rugby Wales and the clubs agree to the TV channels decision's on times and days of ko and its the Irish union who are to blame?
Makes sense.

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