The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has today announced its partnership with leading digital sports content and media group, Perform, naming its data division Opta, as the official data and statistics provider.
Following a competitive tender process, Perform will supply the ARU with data to power all of its official digital properties, including its network of websites, mobile applications and social media activity, with live scores and statistically driven insights.
The ARU will also use Perform’s professional services product, OptaPro, to deliver team and player performance data to the Wallabies and Australian Super Rugby teams.
Powered by the most comprehensive and detailed databases in sport, OptaPro can power a wide range of analytical products and services, which help sports teams fine-tune their performances, assess opponents and effectively recruit new talent.
The partnership includes providing the ARU access to a wide range of Opta’s global rugby databases including all international match data, the Sevens World Series and all major global domestic leagues.
Commenting on the partnership, Ben Whitaker, general manager high performance at ARU said, “Perform’s global capabilities provide us with unrivalled access to data that will offer us an added edge.
“We can track and analyse player performance around the world and with the Wallabies about to commence their 2016 campaign and the Rugby Sevens competing for the first time at the Olympics in Rio this year, our coaching team and players will be well equipped for this exciting international competition.”
The four-year partnership will also see Perform assist the ARU in creating commercial sponsorship opportunities for increased exposure for existing and new partnerships using data in new and unique ways.
According to Alex Peebles, EVP APAC at Perform, “Data is becoming increasingly important on and off the field for sporting organisations.
“Harnessing this data and providing actionable insights to players and coaches is becoming essential to high performance. Savvy organisations such as the ARU are working with us to utilise data to generate enhanced value for sponsors and commercial partners.”
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