The Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup have introduced independent TV replay operators for the tournaments’ knockout stages.
The move is geared to address concerns over potential bias in TMO decisions. The change comes into effect from the last-16 phase, with neutral operators now responsible for sourcing and selecting the video footage shown to the TMO.
In the past, French TV directors in particular have been accused of withholding or delaying critical replays of incidents – such as potential foul play or head contact – that could reflect badly on French sides.
In last season’s Champions Cup semi-final, which Bordeaux Bègles won 38-26 against Bath, visiting No 8 Alfie Barbeary was on the receiving end of three high tackles, including direct head-on-head contact from Bordeaux scrumhalf Maxime Lucu. However, the best replay angles were not broadcast.
“For such an amazing contest, we need to make sure the referees have got the footage they need,” Bath coach Johann van Graan said afterwards.
Under the new system, host broadcasters no longer have the authority to dictate which replays or camera angles are made available to the TMO.
The move is intended to remove any perception that broadcasters could influence key decisions by choosing footage that favours the home team.
The change brings the two European competitions into line with the system already used in the URC, where independent replay operators are also part of the match-day set-up.
However, the new arrangement will only be used during the knockout stages of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup. The existing system will remain in place during the pool phase because of the additional cost involved in using independent operators throughout the competitions.
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