Hot Off the Press Release: Sky Bonuses for Rugby Tests

As of this Saturday’s Black Ferns-Wallaroos game, Sky will offer captioning and the rex commentary on key rugby matches.

Here’s the full press release:

SKY SPORT TO DELIVER MORE INCLUSIVE VIEWING FEATURES FOR 2019 RUGBY TESTS 

Two special features have been introduced to the Sky Sport rugby line-up for key international matches in 2019: captioning and te reo commentary will be available for the next three All Blacks test matches broadcast on Sky, as well as two Black Ferns test matches. 

Starting with this weekend, the Black Ferns v Wallaroos and All Blacks v Wallabies test matches on Saturday 10 August will include captioning on all build-ups and post shows from 6.30pm until 12.25am Sunday. 

Sky Director of Sport, Tex Teixeira, says Sky is pleased to offer this additional service for the deaf and hard-of-hearing on these key matches. 

“Sport has the ability to unite and capture the nation. With the addition of closed captioning and te reo commentary on All Blacks and Black Ferns matches, we hope our broadcasts become more inclusive and enjoyable for all New Zealanders”. 

Nicki Nicol, New Zealand Rugby Chief Operating Officer, says: “This move is another great example of making our game more accessible to more New Zealanders. The introduction of closed captions and a te reo commentary option for the All Blacks and Black Ferns matches will mean more people will be able to enjoy the spectacle of Test rugby.” 

The captioning service for these matches will be fully funded by Sky and will be delivered by [AI Media]. 

Te Arahi Maipi and Hon Peeni Henare will commentate the matches in te reo. 

Closed captioning and te reo commentary will be available for these key test matches in 2019: 

 10 August: Black Ferns v Wallaroos 

 10 August: All Blacks v Wallabies 

 17 August: Black Ferns v Wallaroos 

 17 August: All Blacks v Wallabies 

 7 September: All Blacks v Tonga 

HOW DO I ACCESS CLOSED CAPTIONING? 

Press the ‘i’ button on the Sky remote. 

Press the yellow (language) button. 

Using the left/right arrows, highlight Subtitles Language. 

Using the up/down arrows select English. 

HOW DO I ACCESS THE ALTERNATIVE TE REO COMMENTARY? 

Sky Sport viewers with a set top box can access the alternative commentary by pressing the yellow button on their Sky remote once the match coverage has started. 

The captioning is meant to complement the viewing experience for those who cannot hear the dialogue. Because of this, not all words spoken will appear on screen as some captions can detract from the viewing experience. Therefore play-by-play commentary will not be captioned, but “colour commentary” during breaks in play will be captioned. 

This is for the following reasons: 

1. Reading speed 

2. Captioning obscuring important visuals 

3. Play-by-play commentary is time sensitive, and with the potential for caption delays, these could become misleading to the onscreen action.