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 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