Warby backed to become the new face of BBC rugby
WALES and Lions legend Sam Warburton has the credentials to potentially become the new face of BBC rugby – according to the long-standing anchorman stepping down from the role.
John Inverdale, synonymous with presenting the BBC’s coverage of the Six Nations, is moving aside after 30 years in the role, paving the way for a successor.
And Warburton is one of the names who could be in the frame for the job.
The Times quote 63-year-old Inverdale saying of Warburton: “Give him a bit of training and he could be presenting rugby wherever as from next season. He is just fantastic.”
Inverdale will also be a big backer of colleagues Gabby Logan and the BBC’s pitchside reporter Sonja McLaughlan, whose names are also in the frame.
Warburton, from Rhiwbina, Cardiff, is already fast making a name for himself as a brilliant rugby pundit, impressing viewers with the work he has done during the Six Nations and the Autumn Nations Cup.
The former Whitchurch High School product is up to speed with the modern game, knows what makes the players tick and takes viewers inside the dressing room with his articulate views.
Whether he would wish to move into the presenter’s chair is another matter, of course.
But the BBC moved down this route
with football many years ago, replacing the legendary Des Lynam with former England goal-getter and captain Gary Lineker.
He continues to present their flagship Match of the Day show and is also in the hot-seat for major tournaments, such as the European Championships this summer.
Inverdale has been the face of the BBC’s rugby coverage for three decades but is moving aside to take up a tole representing grass-roots clubs on the RFU. He will continue to be involved in Wimbledon.
Among other names mentioned as possible successors are those of Logan – daughter of former Wales footballer and manager Terry Yorath – and McLaughlan, who recently hit the headlines for receiving sexist abuse after interviewing England skipper Owen Farrell about his team’s 40-24 defeat to Wales in Cardiff.
England stepped in to strongly condemn the social media abuse.
A third female mentioned is Lee
McKenzie, who presents rugby and Formula One on Channel 4.
Alex Payne, who has done well with Sky’s rugby coverage and Craig Doyle, who performs a similar role with ITV and BT Sport, are other named candidates.
The BBC will be keen to land the right person as it seems it will keep hold of Six Nations TV rights, a joint bid put together with ITV said to be the favoured package for rugby’s powers-that-be.
Amazon has also been keen, although recent reports suggest they may settle for televising the autumn Test matches.
Sky Sports and BT Sport want the Six Nations, but tournament organisers and MPs prefer some matches at least to remain on free-to-air television.