Is Sky still going to show the IPA Greene King Championeship next season?

Is Sky still going to show the IPA Greene King Championeship next season?

I was just as disappointed and angry as the rest of us when I found out Sky Sports had lost the rights to BT Sport to show the Aviva Premiership. I was even questioning whether I would actually need my Sky Sports subscription anymore.

I didn't cancel it though because, being Welsh, I thought I would wait and see what their RaboDirect Pro 12 coverage will be like next season, even though I find the competition pretty unexciting. But as it turns out I am very happy that I did give Sky that last chance because I discovered something new- the English Championship.

Now I must confess, I am biased because I am affiliated somewhat with the mighty Rotherham Titans- Lee Blackett (their headcoach) is also the coach at my uni rugby team as are a few of the Titan's players. They have been for the last 2 years  but I never really took an interest in the Championship until Sky's coverage. This season I have loved it though, and heres why...

Watching the Championship on TV is quite refreshing. Sure, all the players are full-time professionals but I think the rugby is, in some ways, more relatable for the fans. The teams don't seem as worried to make mistakes so there is much more of a "have-a-go" attitude than in the higher tiers of pro rugby. It is not uncommon for teams to try a move in their own 22 in the hope of getting an 80 metre try. The players have a go at little pieces of individual brilliance without the fear of being ridiculed like those playing on the International, Premiership or Pro12  players might do if it didn't come off. As Dewi repeatedly said in yesterdays Sky game, Bedford v Rotherham; "They're not going to get told off for playing rugby".

Also, it looks to me like the Sky pundits genuinely enjoy being there. The coverage comes across as a bit more spontaneous, and as a result, more fun. For example the post-match discussion is often carried out in the clubhouse whilst the fans, sometimes players too, are in the background having a pint. The rapport between everyone seems slightly less informal with Dewi doing light-hearted in-game interviews with coahing staff, throwing in the odd joke like yesterdays pork-pie gag.

The actual storyline to this years comp is pretty good too. On one hand theres the like of Bristol with piles of cash sitting at the top, signing new players such as Dwayne Peel. Then there's Rotherham who are kind of like the little engine that could, proving that moneys not everything as long as you've got a good bunch of lads who aren't afraid to have a go and play rugby. They're currently in 3rd place and it's very likely they are going to be in the play-offs for the Premiership. The top 4 are also hardly seperated in terms of points either so it's pretty exciting stuff in that regard.

I've looked online but can't seem to find anything relating to whether the Championship will still be shown next season, but I really hope Sky do continue to show it alongside their 30 Pro12 matches.

Twitter: @ScrummyRugby.

Six Nations 2014 Peeves.

This years tournament was a good, no doubt about it. However, there were just a couple of things that were starting to grate on me towards the end...

Punditry
On the whole the Beeb's team of seasoned professionals did rather well but...
Clive Woodward, you took a team to the World Cup and were victorious. Many have tried but only few succeed, we get that- well done. But for christ sake man it was back in 2003! Stop reverting every single half-time and post-match analysis back to it!

Jiffy is a legend. That accolade gets thrown around a lot these days but he actually is. He doesn't mince his words and injects a little bit of spice and variety to proceedings. This being said, when commentating he screams "IT'S ON HERE!!" Just chill your bean a bit Jiffy. Just because the ball is in hand it doesnt mean "It's on".

Kieth Wood, just because he's far too unashamedly Irish in his views.

Murrayfield
There is just too much pre-match build up there now. It was good but now it is starting to be a little bit like a shitty Superbowl with nowhere near enough bikini-clad pop sensations with big boobs. Also the guy who screams "3,2,1 C'MOONNNNNN SCOTLAND" right before the fligh half kicks-off proceedings really grinds my gears and I'm not entirly sure why.

Bastareaud Bashing
It seemed to be pretty fashionable amongst the people on television to lay into the huge French Centre this year and I'm not really sure why. Granted he is not the most skillful player on the pitch but he does what he does well. And do you know what Kieth Wood he is a world class centre because he plays for a bloody international team... I'd rather him in my team than Billy Twelvetrees.

Jack Nowell's Hair
Well, pretty self-explanatory really: shockingly awful hair. I personally like to think he only wears the head-guard to protect the highlights

What do you think then? Am I wrong? Am I right? Got anymore to add?

Drop a comment or hit us up on twitter: @ScrummyRugby

Six Nations Super Saturday Predictions

Well it is nearly here! The climax to this year rollercoaster of Six Nations. From a rugby fan's point-of-view its been a great tournament, from a Welsh point-of-view... Not so much. But oh well. Ireland are favourites and right so, but England do still have a chance, albeit a very slim one.

Italy v England - 1230 GMT Kick Off.
Have a feeling this is going to be a fairly straight forward one. England are going to win. It is just a matter of how much- and that's is actuall quite an important question for a change. They are going to need to put around 50 points on Italy to be in contention of nabbing it from the Irish. Scoring that many in any international order is always going to be a tall order but if there is a team to do it against in the Six Nations it is Italy, isn't it? Englands only other hope is if France beat Ireland, and I'm not sure if that is beyond the realms of possibilty.

Final Score: Ita 13 - 33 Eng

Wales v Scotland - 1445 Kick Off.
At last some change within the Welsh team! A completely new front row apart from good ol' Gethin. Except he's not been that good recently, in fact he has been pretty anonymous. When Paul James came on last week in the second half he had a great game, both around the pitch and in the scrum. I actually think Gethin is luckily that it is not a complete overhaul of the front row. Another change in the Welsh team has been very much welcomed by the Welsh fans. Biggar in for Priestland- at last! I am a fan of Priestland but there is no hiding away from it this year- he has not been good enough. When Biggar came on last week, like James, he changed things for the better. Finally Liam Williams is in for the injured Leigh Halfpenny. Got to be sore for James Hooke that one. Everyone in Wales is wondering... What has Hooke done to piss Gatland off so much?!
As for Scotland its been a bit of a topsy turby tournamnet (knid of like Wales') but they've shown some promise and the backs looked a little more inventive last week.
This is going to go two ways- a great game of rugby, or a terribly boring one. If it's the latter Wales may not be able to pull through so easily without Halfpenny

Final Score: Wal 21 - 14 Sco

France v Ireland - 1700 Kick Off
May really be a case of saving the best 'til last here. Realistically all Ireland has to do is win (Sorry English people). That being said, Ireland have only won once in Paris in the last 41 years... Shocking, isn't it. I reckon the French are not gonna go down without a fight here and they will have the Irish people worried for the whole game. All eyes are basically going to be on O'Driscoll (like they have been for the whole bloody tournament!) and I suppose it is deserved but I have a feeling it is gonna get a little bit boring if you are watching and not from across the Irish Sea. A uncomfortable game for Ireland but an eventual win, and what the hell, O'Driscoll will score a try somewhere in the 80 minutes.

Final Score: Fra 19 - 27 Ire

Six Nations Preview and Predictions

This weekend sees the return of the RBS Six Nations, and needless to say after the result between England v Ireland a couple of weeks ago, this one's a biggie!

Lets take this in chronological order, shall we?

Ireland v Italy (14:30 Sat 8th Mar)
Well, not too much to say about this one really, is there? Ireland are obvious favourites and with home advantage they ill be looking to bounce back from the close defeat against England two weeks ago in style. Italy will be looking for redemption of sorts after narrowly losing to Scotland by a single point in their last game. I think Italy's main job will be to put in a good, solid performance with plenty of good play- they've got nothing to lose after all.

Prediction: Ireland 33 - 9 Italy

Scotland v France (17:00 Sat 8th Mar)
I feel this game has got potential to be a gooden, provided Scotland take it to them. Scotland thus far have been guilty of taking a back seat and not playing with much attacking intent with poor kicks and the like. France have had a decent tournament so far and are still very much in contention for the title provided they turn up on the 15th against Ireland (excuse the awful cliche) for their final fixture. They'll want to prove that their last defeat to Wales was just a mere blip in their campaign. I've got France to win this one in (hopefully) what will be a close fast-paced game.

Prediction: Scotland 17 - 24 France

England v Wales (15:00 Sun 9th Mar)
This is potentially going to be the game of the weekend. England will be feeling confident after a close and well fought victory over an in-form Ireland in their last game. England will also be seeking to rectify their pretty embarassing loss to Wales in last years competition which cost them the tournament. Wales had a good and solid won over France two weeks ago and they will be hoping to build upon that and remain in winning form. As a welshman I can say that the awful, awful, AWFUL performance against Ireland is still in our heads and a win on Sunday will put any doubts to bed I should think. This is going to be a close match which will go one of to ways:
1)A close scoreline with some great and exciting rugby being played.
2)A close scoreline in what was a very boring slog of a game.
This being said I think (and hope) it will be the latter.

Prediction: England 17 - 21 Wales