VIDEO: Why URC embraces 'crampgate' and Hendrikse-like characters
It has become the biggest media meltdown since Ireland’s quarterfinal exit at the 2023 World Cup.
However, despite the excessive bleating, United Rugby Championship CEO Martin Anayi is as pleased as punch with the aftermath of the Sharks’ dramatic victory over Munster in last week’s quarterfinals.
No, Anayi was #NOT celebrating Munster’s exit.
He was appreciative of the additional attention the fledgling competition received as a result of the theatrics at Durban’s Kings Park.
As if going into a place-kicking shootout after 100 dramatic minutes was not enough already, it was the verbal exchanges between the Sharks’ Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse and Munster flyhalf Jack Crowley that caused the biggest stir.
Hendrikse, after his second successful kick, dropped to the ground with cramps. He was treated by medical personnel just metres from where Crowley was about to take his second shot at goal.
Conor Murray also became involved in the altercation, and Hendrikse could be seen ‘winking’ at his opponent while being treated.
The verbals and vile language could be excused as ‘in the heat of the moment.’
While the emotions settled and both teams moved on, it was too much for the Irish media to handle.
There were calls for ‘disciplinary action’ over gamesmanship, the two people treating Hendrikse became ‘multiple members of the Sharks backroom team’.
Anayi, in a media round table ahead of the URC semifinals, straight-batted the questions around disciplinary action and gamesmanship.
He pointed out that it was one of the most-watched events in the tournament’s history.
Almost 350,000 people have revisited footage of the incident and the highlights package of the match in the first two days.
He said the incident, now commonly referred to as ‘crampgate’ or ‘winkgate’, has not been flagged for disciplinary action.
“If there was someone on the pitch who should not have been on the pitch, then that will get flagged,” the URC boss said.
He added that it has spiked viewership.
“That game is the most viewed highlights on YouTube that we have ever had, in two days.
“It shows the level of intrigue and interest spiked by [perceived] gamesmanship.
“There is a thin line in between positive and negative, isn’t there?
“It’s a difficult one. I have listened to a lot of podcasts talking about it the last few days.”
Anayi said they also want ‘characters’ in sport.
(WATCH as URC CEO Martin Anayi discusses the biggest media meltdown in the tournament’s short, but eventful history….)
“When you have characters, you encourage people to show their character, and that can be positive and negative.
“There are heroes and villains in all great sporting stories.
“That’s kind of what is emerging here, isn’t it?”
The match and the incident will also contribute to the growing rivalry between South Africa and Ireland, which is beginning to show shades of the great Springboks versus All Blacks face-offs.
“It has certainly spiked interest in the league and in that fixture and in a rivalry between Ireland and South Africa that is bubbling along.
“I guess it is another chapter in that story.”
Anayi also spoke about the most competitive season and suggested the ‘health’ of the competition has never been better.
He added that attendances are up 14 percent, with an average of just under 12,000 per game and “growing”.
The broadcast figures are improving every year since the URC’s inception, with over 150 million viewers since 2021.
The URC boss said the social media channels are up 24 percent year-on-year and described the Loftus figures as “pretty special,” and added that the South African audiences are gravitating to the URC.
TV deals through to 2029 were announced for the various territories earlier this year. Total earnings have supposedly shot up by 33 percent in the competition’s new guise, with another 15-16 percent bump predicted by 2027.
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