‘Expect a record number of tries’: Jonathan Harris-Bass on the upcoming Elior Champ Rugby season
Elior Champ Rugby returns this season with more depth, drama and excitement than ever, and BLAZE is bringing fans closer to the action with live coverage of nine must-see matches throughout the campaign.
The action starts on BLAZE when Cornish Pirates host Doncaster Knights on Sunday, 20th September. Build-up begins at 3:30pm with kick-off at 4pm.
Few people are better qualified to describe the action as it unfolds than Jonathan Harris-Bass. With an extensive rugby commentary career that first started in 1999, he’s been the unmistakable voice of some of the game’s most memorable moments. We’re delighted he’s bringing his infectious enthusiasm back to the commentary box for what’s set to be one of the most unpredictable seasons of Elior Champ Rugby.
Ahead of the opening weekend, BLAZE sat down with Jonathan to get his take on the storylines, fixtures and games to watch this season.
What is it about Champ Rugby that makes it such an exciting and unmissable league?
‘Champ has the classic fusion of youth and experience. Players who are looking to use it as the springboard for their careers and those who are looking to pass on their vast experience in the game whilst at the same time staying connected with the sport they love.
As a consequence, on a weekly basis, you see a blend of rugby played at an elite level with breathtaking skill, brutal collisions, and an onus on true attacking rugby union.’
What are the storylines that you're most looking forward to following and covering this season?
‘Will Ealing bounce back from the disappointment of losing just one game [the semi-final] last season? Will Matt Everard's Worcester continue their extraordinary comeback, and defend their crown? Bedford have been so close over the recent seasons; what do they need to push them one better? Blackheath and Rotherham return, what are their aims for this season? [Cornish] Pirates have new investors, which is a story in itself. Every club has an angle, and I look forward to seeing how all of them develop.’
There's plenty of tantalising games in prospect this season. Which fixture are you most looking forward to seeing?
‘Worcester v Ealing, Ealing v Worcester.
Predictable perhaps, but having commentated two of their three meetings last season, and especially being there in the play-off semi-final, I cannot wait for these two clubs to lock horns again.
In three matches last season, two points separated the teams, and Ealing will be smarting from their semi-final loss, so sparks will fly.’
What's your one bold prediction for this season?
‘I think there will be a number of surprises this season due to the very open nature of the league. I think there will be a record number of tries scored in 26/27, thanks to the attacking flair of the clubs in the division.’
Champ Rugby is famous for its community roots and its underdogs. Do you have a club or a story from the league that's close to your heart?
‘There are so many storylines it does feel a tad unfair to single any out, but personally I have a very close connection with Chinnor.
As my local club in the league, they are also responsible for bringing me back into the commentary box, thanks to a conversation with Nick Stainton just over a year ago. They are a team that have regularly punched above their weight in the division, and look to be setting a classy blueprint for achieving success over time.
Their story is one that all rugby fans can appreciate, and I think they exemplify grassroots rugby in this country. What they achieve this season will be one of the storylines I will have a keen eye on.’
You've been providing commentary for Champ Rugby matches for years. What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?
‘I have covered rugby at many levels, starting out my commentary journey at Iffley Road commentating the Oxford Blues en route to Varsity success in 1999. Thereafter I have worked at World Cups, Six Nations, Top 14, the Premiership and European competition, but in my experience of working on the Champ the standout highlight is quite easy, as it was the last seconds of last season's play-off semi-final in Ealing. The ball retention from kick off, the offload from Naulago to Jake Garside, and the finish to win the game. Such was the excitement my voice completely cracked, but for pure passion, that moment was unbeatable last term.’
There's plenty of passion, excitement and talent in Champ Rugby. What would you say makes the second tier so special to commentate on?
‘The Champ is, in the RFU's own words, “the proving ground”. So many untapped talents are unearthed, but it is that special fusion of emerging stars and experienced colossi of the game, all attempting to play enterprising attacking rugby, that makes it incredibly special to commentate. The stories, the honest, friendly nature of the clubs and all attached to them, make it especially joyous, and I expect this year to be no different.’
Between them, Rocky Clark and Jonathan Harris-Bass bring a genuine wealth of experience to BLAZE's coverage this season, on the pitch and in the commentary box. If Jonathan's prediction holds up, this could be the highest-scoring Champ Rugby season yet, so make sure you tune in to BLAZE from Sunday, 20th September.
Catch Elior Champ Rugby live on BLAZE, free on Freeview 64, Sky 156, Sky Glass / Sky Stream 169, Freesat 161 and Virgin 174, or stream via the free BLAZE app. Live coverage begins Sunday 20th September as Cornish Pirates host Doncaster Knights.