Aussie rugby tests 'Ref Cam'

On Saturday in Brisbane referee Chris Pollock will wear equipment that will show to the television viewer a referee's eye view of the action.

Pollock will wear a headpiece that will contain a camera - the so-called ref cam.

Rugby union football will be the first sport in Australia to use the system and it will happen with the approval of the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) and of SANZAR, Super Rugby's governing body under whose aegis Saturday's match falls.

The match is a big one, Australia's top rugby derby - Reds vs Waratahs and it will be played at Suncorp Stadium with Fox Sport to broadcast it.

Bill Pulver, the CEO of the ARU, says: “We are delighted Fox Sports have been proactive in seeking to expand and deepen the experience for Rugby fans around the country.

“This is an exciting step forward in terms of general sports coverage and at ARU we're proud to be supporting Fox Sports on this breakthrough initiative and for Ref Cam to be a first, in Australia, for rugby.

“To have an unprecedented view from the thick of the action, whether the referee is preparing to bring two massive packs together or he’s just centimetres from the ball as a pass is fired across the backline, will deliver vision sure to enthrall those watching on television.

“I want to thank Fox Sports for working closely with us on Ref Cam, and also extend our appreciation to SANZAR for giving the green light for its introduction at the Reds-Waratahs match.”

SANZAR will review the ref cam coverage after the match.

SANZAR CEO, Greg Peters, said: “We are very supportive of the trial of this new technology in the Reds v Waratahs match this weekend.

“We are always keen to work with our broadcast partners on initiatives that enhance their coverage of the game and deliver an even better fan experience.”

The ref cam has been tested in England this season and some time ago in South Africa when top referees Jonathan Kaplan and Mark Lawrence used a similar device.