Back in 2016, we explored what it takes to become a rugby commentator, offering practical tips for getting started. Eight years later, the rugby landscape has shifted, and so has the art of commentary. With more sophisticated broadcasts and an explosion in women’s rugby, it’s time to revisit and elevate the conversation.
Rugby commentary is no longer a one-size-fits-all craft. Whether you’re calling the game live, offering in-depth analysis, or working the sidelines, each role requires a distinct approach. The key to standing out today lies in mastering your specific role, blending knowledge, timing, and style to create a broadcast experience that resonates with a diverse audience.
The Play-by-Play Role: Driving the Narrative
The Play-by-Play commentator is the heartbeat of the broadcast. Your job is to guide viewers through the game’s action, offering clear and concise descriptions without overwhelming them. This role is about balancing tempo, painting a vivid picture of the game, and knowing when to let the moment speak for itself.
Key Play-by-Play Skills:
Precision and Pace: You’re the narrator, responsible for providing real-time descriptions. Your goal is to capture the immediacy of every ruck, pass, and tackle while maintaining a pace that reflects the intensity of the game.
Creating a Story Arc: Beyond calling the action, you’re telling the story of the game. Each match has its own narrative, and your role is to weave together individual moments to highlight the significance of turning points, momentum shifts, and standout performances.
Tactical Awareness: Play-by-play isn’t just about observing, it’s about anticipating. You should have a deep understanding of rugby’s tactical elements, from set-piece strategy to defensive lines. This knowledge allows you to call the game with more authority, helping viewers appreciate the underlying strategy.
Restraint and Timing: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is say nothing at all. Whether it’s a crucial try or a game-changing penalty, let the moment—and the crowd’s reaction—breathe. Your commentary should enhance the drama, not drown it out.
Advanced Play-by-Play Do’s:
- Develop Rhythm: Like a dance, your commentary should have flow and cadence. Avoid long pauses but resist the urge to fill every second.
- Adapt to the Unexpected: The game doesn’t always follow the script, and neither should you. Be ready to adjust your tone and tempo as the game evolves. A low-energy early phase can explode into end-to-end action, and your commentary should reflect that shift.
Play-by-Play Don’ts:
- Over-Explaining: You’re calling the game, not teaching a class. Assume a base level of rugby knowledge from your audience, but don’t ignore the need for clarity.
- Forcing Humor: Play-by-play should remain focused on the game. While occasional humor can work, trying too hard to be funny can derail the narrative and lose the audience.
The Analyst: The Game Behind the Game
As an analyst, your role is to dive deeper into the tactics, decisions, and nuances that the average viewer might miss. You’re there to break down the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of the game, providing insights that elevate the broadcast beyond just what’s happening on the field.
Key Analyst Skills:
Depth of Knowledge: Your role is to provide context. Whether it’s explaining why a team opted for a scrum instead of a lineout, or analyzing a tactical shift at halftime, you need to deliver valuable insights quickly and clearly. It’s not just about knowing rugby—it’s about knowing how to communicate it.
Collaborative Timing: Your role demands a keen sense of timing and collaboration. As the analyst, you don’t interrupt live play but instead step in during natural pauses such as after a score, during set piece setups, or when the ball is out of play. Seamless teamwork with the play-by-play commentator is essential to maintaining a smooth broadcast
Storytelling through Strategy: While the play-by-play commentator focuses on the game flow, you’re explaining the thinking behind the moments. Why did the coach substitute that player? What was the defensive structure that led to the turnover? Be ready to give the audience a window into the minds of the players and coaches.
Anticipation of Key Moments: The best analysts can suggest what’s about to happen before it unfolds. Use your rugby IQ to offer insights that give the audience a ‘heads-up’ on what to expect next. This helps viewers feel more connected to the game’s inner workings.
Advanced Analyst Do’s:
- Simplify Complex Ideas: Explaining complex strategies and tactics in a way that’s digestible for all viewers is your bread and butter. Keep it concise but informative.
- Provide Context: Stats are useful, but they’re just numbers without context. Tie data to player form, team trends, or historical matchups to make it meaningful.
Analyst Don’ts:
- Overload with Data: Too many stats and you risk overwhelming the audience. Be selective and use numbers to enhance, not dominate, your analysis.
- Speak Over Key Moments: Timing is everything. Don’t speak when the play-by-play commentator is building up to a critical score or moment.
The Sideline Reporter: Eyes and Ears on the Ground
The Sideline Reporter plays a unique role in the broadcast team. You’re not only providing updates on injuries and substitutions, but also capturing the atmosphere on the ground. Your ability to gather inside information and deliver it succinctly adds layers to the broadcast that the audience can’t get from the booth.
Key Sideline Reporter Skills:
Observation and Reporting: You are the viewers’ connection to what’s happening off-camera. Injury updates, substitutions, and even team body language—these are all your responsibility. Your job is to observe everything the camera doesn’t catch.
Quick, Concise Delivery: Sideline updates must be punchy and efficient. Time is limited, and your window to speak can close quickly, especially when play resumes. Deliver essential information in 15 seconds or less.
Building Relationships: The best sideline reporters have strong relationships with coaches, players, and medical staff. Your access to key figures allows you to provide exclusive insights that enhance the broadcast.
Setting the Scene: Whether it’s capturing the intensity of a huddle or reporting on a change in weather conditions, your role is to provide the context that viewers can’t see. You’re the eyes and ears at pitch level, and your observations can shape how the game is perceived.
Advanced Sideline Do’s:
- Stay Dynamic: Be ready to shift gears based on the game’s needs. Sometimes, you’ll be providing emotional color from the sidelines; other times, you’re a conduit for crucial tactical information.
- React to the Game Flow: Just like the on-field commentators, your updates should align with the tempo of the game. Deliver calm updates in slower moments, and elevate your energy when tension builds.
Sideline Reporter Don’ts:
- Over-Intrude: Don’t interrupt the broadcast unless your update is critical. Sideline reporting should enhance, not detract, from the flow of the game.
- Unverified Information: Stick to the facts. Injury updates and coach feedback should be confirmed before you report. Accuracy is paramount, and speculating can damage your credibility.
Wrapping it All Together: The Unified Commentary Team
No matter your role, the strength of a broadcast lies in the cohesion of the commentary team. The play-by-play commentator, analyst, and sideline reporter must operate as a unit, each playing their part while elevating the others.
The modern rugby audience is more sophisticated than ever. They expect professionalism, insights, and storytelling—whether they’re watching a youth league final or the Rugby World Cup. Mastering your role within the commentary team can be the difference between an average broadcast and one that truly captivates.
Women are stepping into the commentary box in greater numbers, bringing fresh perspectives and redefining what it means to call the game. Whether you’re a seasoned commentator or new to the scene, now is the time to sharpen your skills and make your mark. Rugby’s voice is evolving—and you could be the one shaping it.
How to Get Started: Build from the Ground Up
If you’re ready to step into the world of rugby commentary, the best place to start is right in your backyard. Grab a microphone, set up a camera, and head out to your local rugby team. Whether it’s a club match, high school game, or community event, real-world experience is invaluable. Commentating on live games, even if they’re small-scale, will give you a feel for the pace and challenges of the role.
The key is simple: practice, practice, and practice some more. Record yourself, listen back, and refine your style. The more you immerse yourself in the game from team dynamics to referee calls the more confident and natural you’ll become. And don’t forget to network. Build relationships within your local rugby community and reach out to others who have experience behind the mic. The journey to becoming a great commentator starts here.
If you’re ready to step up and get some professional training, consider reaching out to Next Level Rugby. They offer excellent resources and guidance to help commentators refine their skills and get to the next stage. You can find more information on their Instagram.
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