Description
Take Your Commentary to the Next Level
Work directly with Dallen Stanford, an international rugby commentator with more than 15 years of professional broadcasting experience, in this live, interactive program designed to accelerate your development as a broadcaster.
Whether you’re taking your first steps behind the microphone or looking to elevate your existing commentary, you’ll receive expert coaching, practical experience, and personalized feedback to help you sound more confident, professional, and broadcast-ready.
Perfect For
- Aspiring sports commentators
- Club, school, and community broadcasters
- Current commentators looking to refine their skills
- Anyone passionate about pursuing opportunities in sports media
What’s Included
✅ Three live 75-minute interactive Zoom workshop sessions with Dallen Stanford
✅ Live coaching, practical exercises, and personalized feedback on your commentary
✅ Hands-on training across the three essential broadcast roles:
- Play-by-Play Commentary
- Color Commentary
- Sideline Reporting
✅ Professional techniques for match preparation, pacing, storytelling, match flow, voice control, and how to engage an audience
✅ Career guidance on creating a standout commentary reel, expanding your network, and pursuing broadcast opportunities
✅ Access to a growing international community of broadcasters, with 35+ Academy graduates already securing paid commentary opportunities.
Commentator Reviews · Intensive Grads
Reviews from Intensive Graduates
Josh Woolever (New York, NY, USA) –
This program deepens your understanding of the entire broadcasting side of rugby. With helpful criticism and honest feedback from one of the best in the business, this course is awesome for improving your rugby broadcasting skills!
Kelson Figaro (Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago) –
It\’s a great opportunity to learn from a world-class presenter! The course gave me the ability to self-critique and improve with practice.
Chris Lind, Rugby Podcaster (Bow, NH, USA) –
I plan on remaining an amateur in this field. That being said, the knowledge and insights shared during this course, as well as the direct feedback from practice, were invaluable to my confidence for my future podcasting and watch-along adventures. Dallen is world-class! His constructive feedback and professionalism were outstanding. I enjoyed the course, and I\’m hoping Dallen continues by offering in-depth, specialized courses, because this one was brilliant!
Ryan Gray, West Des Moines Wombats & B-Side Bois Rugby Podcast (Clive, IA, USA) –
This course was a fantastic hands-on experience! I was not only able to learn from the great Dallen Stanford through his detailed presentations, but also to pick his brain, ask questions and do practice commentary with his instant feedback. He broke down all the different roles in a rugby broadcast and helped identify key components, which will help me as I continue to develop and add professionalism to the B-Side Bois Rugby streams in Iowa and the Midwest.
Rudy Paige, Springbok (Cape Town, South Africa) –
Attending Dallen Stanford\’s intensive broadcasting commentary course was an incredible experience! From start to finish, the course offered so much value, covering everything from the foundational basics to real, practical insights about the industry. What truly stood out for me was Dallen\’s energy and passion in delivering each session. His knowledge, experience and engaging style made every part of the course enjoyable and inspiring. It gave me a deeper understanding of what it takes to excel in sports broadcasting and left me feeling both motivated and better equipped for the journey ahead. I would highly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in sports broadcasting, whether you\’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills. Dallen is world-class!
Mark Powell, Rampant Sports Media, Houston-area HS Rugby & SaberCats Academies (Houston, TX, USA) –
This is an amazing course for anyone interested in pursuing rugby commentary, and the lessons would be equally valuable for commentators in any sport. Taught by the original \”Sleek Sensation\” himself, this course packs in a career\’s worth of advice, insights, guidance and lessons from one of the best sports commentators around. Dallen keeps the conversation fun and lively with his signature upbeat style, passing along not just his experience and tools, but also insightful feedback on the attendees\’ role-play commentary. I\’m so glad I took this course, and I can\’t wait for Dallen to launch Level 2!
Darian Lovelace (Fort Myers, FL, USA) –
Hi, I\’m Darian Lovelace, a proud Life U alum and rugby nomad. I loved that there was finally a resource that gave insight into commentating, with good practice led by someone who has navigated it himself. It was so much fun to have others in the class to practice and work alongside, get instant feedback and get more reps in. I genuinely enjoyed the time spent and would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about rugby commentating!
David Greaves, RGA Sports Group / Hong Kong Sevens (Hong Kong) (verified owner) –
I enjoyed Dallen\’s enthusiasm and positive encouragement the most!
John Fitzpatrick, Rugby Morning & American University Men’s Club Rugby (USA) –
I\’ve always wanted to see if I could provide color commentary for live rugby games, so I jumped at the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business. The course exceeded expectations, from the quality of instruction and feedback to the engagement of the other participants. My only complaint: it wasn\’t long enough! It offered a fantastic behind-the-scenes look at rugby commentary, and Dallen\’s generosity with his time, energy and insights made it all the more valuable.
Clint Lemkus, Coach & Referee (Cape Town, South Africa) –
Dallen\’s commentary course was outstanding, informative, lively and deeply practical! It demanded genuine preparation and presence, with live feedback that pushed you to perform under real pressure, and that\’s exactly where the biggest growth occurred. Every aspect of commentary was covered: lead, color/analyst and sideline roles. Dallen is an exceptional coach who brings both insight and energy to every session. It was invaluable and fun, and I genuinely wished it lasted longer. The more effort you invest, the greater the transformation. Highly sought after and highly recommended!
Matthew Hansen, Colgate University Alumni (Bellevue, WA, USA) –
Dallen has compressed years of experience and learning by doing into a highly organized, focused intensive seminar. You\’ll get to see how the magic happens and get to try on the headset in real situations. A great experience for anyone who loves rugby, and a lovely way to grow the game from his perch in the booth. Highly recommended!
Kenneth Payne, Barbados Rugby Football Union (Barbados) –
The course helped me appreciate what goes on in the background of delivering exciting commentary!
Ken Goodland, Castaway Wanderers RFC (Victoria, BC, Canada) –
I massively enjoyed taking the rugby commentary intensive course with Dallen! I learned tons about the process and got to practice all the different roles. His energy and positivity made it easy to dive right in and gave me the motivation to keep working at this craft. Thanks, Dallen!
Art Sears, Minnesota Rugby Referee Society (Lakeville, MN, USA) –
I\’ve been lucky enough through my years in rugby to announce in stadiums for the WER and PR 7s, as well as commentate a few matches for local TV. This class really took the talents I had and added structure and preparation to them. Add in Dallen\’s knowledge from commentating at the highest levels of rugby and his unselfish nature, and I feel the class was very valuable. Dallen gives advice in a constructive and positive way that makes my goal of commentating at a very high level achievable!
Ike Wrigley, Lindenwood (St. Louis, MO, USA) –
I thought the course was great, providing a mix of insight you can\’t find elsewhere and personal feedback tailored to each person taking the course!
Maria Thomas, #HUGBY (Gasparillo, Trinidad & Tobago) –
Dallen Stanford\’s Rugby Commentary Intensive is a crash course that will save you from crashing! It is fast-paced, engaging and impressively balanced. Whether you are testing the waters or looking to sharpen your tongue, you can count on time well spent, tools for preparation, clarity for delivery and a confidence boost for your next gig!
Marley Gurmendi, Sacred Heart University Rugby, Chicago Lions Rugby Club (Boulder, CO, USA) –
As a college student aspiring to work in the sports broadcasting industry, Dallen\’s commentary course gave me the tools I need to keep working toward that dream. Not only is he very knowledgeable, but the course was so hands-on, which gave me a chance to see if I\’m good at this. It was quick but packed with valuable lessons, and the resources you get when the course is over (game examples, notes and session recordings) have helped me keep growing the commentary skills I started building in this course!
TC Chawafambira (Harare, Zimbabwe) –
I love how much there is to learn from this course! You get to practice your commentary and receive instant feedback and advice. It\’s a real game changer!
John Gulden, Pittsburgh Central Catholic Rugby (Pittsburgh, PA, USA) –
With Dallen\’s knowledge and experience, I was able to learn so much and improve my skill set in a short period of time. It was great how interactive the classes were, and it was awesome to work with classmates from all over the world!
Angela Smarto (Pittsburgh, PA, USA) –
If you like talking, and talking about rugby, then this is the course for you! Dallen creates an authentic learning experience regardless of skill level, while having a laugh every night. I looked forward to class every week, and I think anyone looking for some rugby joy would too!
Norman Allendorph, America’s Team, Santa Monica, BATS (Albany, CA, USA) –
Dallen is a true professional at this craft, and he shares all of his experiences!
Kenneth Laws, University of San Diego (San Diego, CA, USA) –
Spending direct time with Dallen and getting access to him and his vast network of rugby professionals is valuable enough on its own. Getting personalized feedback on your play-by-play calling is the icing on the cake! I learned to embrace my energy and excitement in my commentary. Imagining that I was talking directly to the players\’ friends and family back home really put it all into perspective.
Lauren Kuffel, Boston Banshees (Chicago, IL, USA) –
Dallen\’s course gave me a strong introduction to rugby commentary! Despite my not having any commentating experience, Dallen provided resources and tools that made me feel confident practicing in front of a small group. If you have any interest in rugby commentating at all, I highly recommend it!
Rainier Cardin, University of San Diego Rugby, Stadium Announcer (San Diego, CA, USA) –
Sports commentary is so much more than the words spoken into a microphone, and Dallen\’s course provides the quintessential guide on how to prepare for your next call. From physical tools to hard-won tips, this course is a must for anyone looking to level up their commentary game! I noticed an immediate improvement in my performance after taking this course, and parents, alumni and players alike have praised my enhanced commentary.
Godfrey Kiragu (Nairobi, Kenya) –
Listening to Dallen\’s commentary was always great, and getting to learn from him how it\’s done was even greater! The sessions are so interactive, and you get instant feedback. Learning about the different roles in commentary was a bonus!
Joe Lippert, Midwest Barbarians, Vail Rugby (Pittsville, WI, USA) –
The Broadcast Academy was a phenomenal look behind the microphone and camera! I went in wanting to explore rugby from a different angle than my usual coach, player and referee roles. I left with more information and perspective than I could have possibly imagined, and I immediately put the course practice into action at paid broadcasting opportunities!
Ciara Clawson, Twin Cities Gemini (Minneapolis, MN, USA) –
I was very nervous going into this, but Dallen really helps you gain confidence, even if you\’re underprepared. JUST SHOW UP! The most important thing you can do for yourself to get better is show up and do your best! The experience in a low-stakes environment with high-value feedback was really impactful for me. In the academy, we learned tips and nuances about each role in commentating, and we got to learn by doing! The mentorship he offers is honestly even better. In my case, the group was a bit smaller, so there were lots more repetitions, plus a group of like-minded people who also want to up their skills and share openings and opportunities to grow! It\’s invaluable experience and knowledge I will take with me on my path, and I\’ll keep growing alongside them!
Gabby Cantorna, Exeter Chiefs and USA Eagle (Exeter, England) –
As a professional athlete for Exeter Chiefs and the USA Eagles, I\’m used to analyzing the game from the pitch, but Dallen Stanford\’s three-session course taught me how to translate that \’player\’s eye\’ into compelling broadcast delivery. Dallen has an incredible ability to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and engaging storytelling. His coaching pushed me out of my comfort zone and provided a clear roadmap for my growth as a commentator. This course is an essential investment for anyone looking to evolve their career and find their professional voice in the media!
Timothy Iraka, Uganda Rugby Union (Mbarara, Uganda) –
The course provided nuanced knowledge of rugby broadcasting. It highlighted some areas for improvement in East African rugby commentary.
Cherokee Sylvain Ngue, Former Turkey Rugby Head Coach (Kampala, Uganda) –
I don\’t regret signing up for this course! I appreciated the structure, the documentation provided, and especially the freedom to practice in a language I was comfortable with. I learned a lot, and it\’s given me ideas for the future!
Jaz Gray, Former USA Player (Cayman Islands) –
It was such a pleasure to work with and learn from Dallen on this course! I learned so much and got actual commentating experience in just three sessions. He really lets you be you and discover your own groove, while following some of the tricks and formats that make him great at what he does!
Jermaine Egesa Benjamin (Kampala, Uganda) –
Dallen\’s masterclass is an absolute game changer behind the mic! High energy, brilliantly structured and insanely practical. He bridges the gap between raw passion and elite broadcast control, giving you tools you can use immediately on match day. If you want to elevate your commentary craft and command the airwaves, this is the ultimate playbook!
Carl Dawson, Founder of Rugby TTL (Calpe, Spain) –
I started my own rugby channel just over two years ago with no experience apart from public speaking, and I wanted to see where and how I could improve. Especially with live streams starting soon, learning the structure of a true broadcast is key. Dallen showcases his experience through real enthusiasm on the calls, and you get direct feedback in the moment. I\’m looking forward to using the course and the network to improve the Rugby TTL projects and live streams for grassroots rugby!
Lungelo Payi, Eastern Province Kings (Pretoria, South Africa) –
Dallen is an amazing mentor with a great sense of humor, and I would recommend the course to anyone wanting to build skills while having a great time!
Emily Chancellor, Australian Wallaroos (New South Wales, Australia) –
Dallen Stanford\’s commentary course was a great way to build confidence and learn some of the behind-the-scenes parts of commentary that you don\’t normally consider until it\’s too late! A perfect balance of learning through listening and doing. Small group sizes mean lots of opportunities to practice what we learned. I built a lot of confidence in my skill set, as well as an awareness of areas I can keep practicing, to hopefully develop a new way to stay involved in rugby, as playing can\’t go on forever! I would absolutely recommend this course and Dallen\’s mentorship to anyone looking to take their passion for rugby behind the mic to another level. Professional, energetic and so willing to share his knowledge!
Alycia Washington, Team USA XVs (USA) (verified owner) –
I learned so much from Dallen, even after being in the broadcasting space for a few years! His cues and encouragement are super helpful. He helped turn a scary, unknown world off the pitch into one that felt exciting and welcoming as I transition out of my playing career.
William Widener (Columbus, GA, USA) (verified owner) –
Dallen was a great teacher and mentor of the game! His experience was very evident during the course, and he made sure everyone got hands-on experience. Mixing up the roles and partners also gave a good feel for what it\’s like to work with different people on the job at short notice. Great teacher and excellent mentor!
Josh Shibata, Rugby Stadium Announcer (Los Angeles, CA, USA) –
The Dallen Stanford Broadcast Academy Intensive IS the best way to not only learn from the best, but also get your foot in the door of broadcasting! The knowledge you gain, as well as the chance to practice under Dallen’s watchful eye, is invaluable. Plus, the feedback and tips on how to grow your career are worth the price alone. Highly recommend!
David Lawrence, Scrum of the Earth Podcast (Marlborough, MA, USA) –
Dallen’s Rugby Commentary Intensive is an opportunity you won’t want to miss! All the brilliance and insight he brings to his own commentary, you will be able to share, while gaining real-time experience with a remarkable group of diverse peers. This is a course that could change your life!
Sez Naiqama, Wallaroos International & SVNS Series Commentator (Perth, Australia) –
Working with Dallen was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career! Seeing how he prepares was invaluable, but what really stood out was how immediately transferable his teaching is. The skills didn’t stay in rugby; they lifted my basketball commentary straight away, a sport I hadn’t previously reported on. He created a space where I felt safe to learn, while still pushing me to lean in, back myself and raise my standard. If you’re serious about commentary, this course is a no-brainer!
Fabiola De La Cruz, Rugby Americas North Commentator (Mexico) –
Taking the intensive course with Dallen was a turning point for me! Engaging, fun, interesting and very hands-on. Dallen guides you step by step from the basics to advanced concepts with a level of ease, patience and charisma that truly makes a difference. The groups are diverse and international, always willing to learn from and support one another. A must for anyone who wants to learn how to be a rugby commentator!
Carly MacKinnon, Rugby Americas North Communications Manager (Seattle, WA, USA) –
I was challenged, I learned, and I felt what it was like to be ‘on stage.’ You get real-time practice and feedback in a safe space, thanks to Dallen’s professionalism and others who want to improve their rugby commentary. It’s jam-packed, and no stone was left unturned! I have new experiences and perspectives to take into my career in rugby, as well as a larger network to connect with!
Tess Feury, USA International (Leicester, England) –
As an international women’s rugby player, I found that Dallen’s course empowered me to find my voice off the pitch. I learned how to analyze, present and tell rugby stories in an authentic way, and it was genuinely fun to do! The interactive sessions, practical experience and supportive environment made learning enjoyable and gave me a fresh perspective on the game beyond playing. I’d recommend this course to anyone looking to advance their game in a new way!
Charli Jacoby, USA International (Hong Kong) –
Dallen’s commentary course was a blast: fun, interactive and packed with extremely useful tips! I learned a ton and discovered that I can finally combine my love of rugby with my passion for talking! Dallen is an amazing mentor, and I’d recommend his course to anyone wanting to build skills while having a great time!
Paul Byrdak, Chicago Riot (Lockport, IL, USA) –
Coming from playing rugby, I wanted to know what it takes to commentate, and it really is an interesting subject that Dallen teaches very well!