RFU Announces New Analytics Offering
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and IBM has announced a five-year agreement, which will see the new Official Analytics Partner for the RFU implement an innovative analytics solution to provide fans with real-time insights into the game, the IBM TryTracker.
IBM’s Predictive Analytics software will analyse historic and current rugby data provided by Opta, the global sports data provider, to provide in-game stats, including information about individual performance by players.
The system has been designed to give viewers access to insights that will heighten their understanding of what to watch for in each game and explain what needs to be done to increase the likelihood of a team win against specific opponents.
The IBM TryTracker will include the ‘Keys to the Game’, to provide play-by-play insights during the game, and predict three crucial areas of performance specific to each team ahead of match day. For example, the system may predict that if a side hits their target in these aspects of their game then they are more likely to increase their chances of victory, such as the proportion of scrums won or rate of successful kicks.
The data collected and provided by Opta for all England internationals is analysed by IBM, before being hosted on RFU.com.
In addition, the platform will feature a new way to represent ‘Momentum’, which depicts visual graphics of the match as it unfolds – and identifies key moments, decisions and turning points based on every facet of the game.
It will also determine the match’s ‘Key Influencers’ by analysing every action of every player to reveal which three players are having the biggest positive impact on their team’s overall performance. Results are based on position specific historical data, and will show the average performance of the player’s teammates.
As well as providing the analytics for IBM TryTracker, the agreement also includes the implementation of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) transformational plan for the RFU.
Sophie Goldschmidt, chief commercial officer at the RFU, said: ‘We’re delighted to be working with a company of IBM’s calibre. This important new long-term agreement will enable the RFU to give fans even more insight and understanding into what’s happening on the pitch and why, as well as ensuring we remain at the forefront of new technology to enrich the overall fan experience.’
‘Our plans also involve utilising IBM’s expertise to further benefit the grassroots game and enhance performance at the elite level.’
Martin Guillaume, media and sports leader for IBM Global Business Services UK and Ireland, added: ‘In sport and business, data is a game changer. IBM is powering new consumer experiences with advanced real-time analytics. By doing this, we offer a new way to enjoy the game, by uncovering insights that matter, enhancing the fan experience and providing vital feedback to players and stakeholders.’
This technology builds on what is already in use in well known global tennis tournaments such as Wimbledon, The Australian Open and The US Open.
The IBM TryTracker can be accessed by all mobile devices and tablets. The three Keys to the Game will be released every Thursday ahead of the weekend match day during the RBS 6 Nations tournament taking place from this Saturday to 16th March. The new platform is also available at www.rfu.com/ibmtrytracker
