Metapraxis, in partnership with Sportable Technologies, has launched a pioneering in-game scrum analytics technology.
Set to debut at the Varsity match, this innovation captures real-time data, offering unique insights and enhancing the rugby experience.
A Revolutionary Step in Sports Analytics
Metapraxis, a leading financial analytics firm, has entered into a strategic partnership with Sportable Technologies to introduce groundbreaking in-game scrum analytics technology. This initiative marks a significant first in the realm of sports technology, promising to transform how rugby matches are experienced and analysed.
The technology’s debut is poised for the upcoming Varsity rugby match, where it will be prominently featured in both the men’s and women’s games between Oxford and Cambridge, hosted at Twickenham Stadium. By integrating sports technology into players’ jerseys, the system captures both static and dynamic player data in real-time, offering unprecedented insights into player performance and game dynamics.
Unveiling the Technology
This innovative technology was initially tested with select Premiership and Championship teams and an earlier version was used in a previous Varsity match. However, it has now been enhanced to focus specifically on scrum performance metrics, such as the total force exerted in the men’s match. For the women’s game, the system highlights head-to-head player statistics, providing comparative insights.
With the integration of this technology, Metapraxis aims to deliver expert data visualisation, projecting in-game insights onto the stadium’s digital screens at regular intervals. Before each scrum, fans will be provided with a comparative analysis to the previous scrums, enriching their viewing experience and understanding of the game.
Enhancing Pre-Match Preparations
The technology’s utility extends beyond the Varsity matches, as it will also be utilised by both teams in their pre-Varsity fixtures. This allows coaches to gain real-time insights into scrummage performance, fostering strategic advantages and tailored coaching approaches.
Simon Bittlestone, MD of Metapraxis, emphasised the innovativeness of this partnership, highlighting how it uniquely combines sport and data. “Our partnership with Sportable Technologies is an exciting opportunity to bring sport and data together in a previously unseen way,” he stated.
Revolutionising Fan Engagement
The capabilities of Metapraxis’ data visualisation tools extend into transforming fan engagement, by bringing statistics and insights from the heart of the scrum to life on the big screen. This allows fans at the stadium to witness the intricacies of the game that are usually hidden from public view.
Dugald Macdonald, CEO of Sportable Technologies, discussed the increasing digitalisation of sport, noting that fans and coaches are keen to analyse games in ways previously thought impossible. “Sport is increasingly becoming digitalised, with fans and coaches alike keen to analyse the game they love in ways that were previously impossible,” he said.
Strategic Potential of Scrum Analytics
This partnership underscores a broader trend towards data-driven strategies in sports, where analytics can significantly influence coaching decisions and game outcomes. The deployment of scrum analytics is a step towards smarter, evidence-based approaches in rugby coaching and player management.
Sportable Technologies’ contribution to this initiative is crucial, as their expertise in sports technology complements Metapraxis’ proficiency in data visualisation. Together, they aspire to set a new standard in how sports data is harnessed and utilised.
Looking Ahead
The Varsity Match represents just the beginning for this innovative technology. As the use of such analytics becomes more widespread, it is expected to alter rugby’s landscape significantly, moving towards a fully data-integrated future.
With further developments and enhanced capabilities, scrum analytics technology has the potential to expand into other sports, broadening its impact across the sporting world. This initiative not only benefits players and coaches but also enriches the broader sporting community.
Metapraxis and Sportable Technologies have set a new standard in sports analytics with their scrum technology.
Their innovative approach is poised to revolutionise rugby analysis, enhancing the game for players, coaches, and fans alike.
