The National Rugby League has announced that it has reached in principle agreement with Prozone Sports, an international leader in sports statistics that will make Rugby League a world leader in the use of high-performance data.
With bases in six continents, Prozone has pioneered sports performance analysis for over 15 years.
Working with sporting elite, Prozone provides technology and consultancy services to create game-changing insights.
Analysing objective data from more than 12,000 games every season, Prozone supports over 300 clubs and organisations to achieve genuine performance advantage.
Prozone’s industry-leading data capture systems include: advanced post-match analysis solutions that integrate optical player tracking data to derive advanced physical performance metrics; technology that for the first time in Rugby League links GPS data directly with video; and systems which allow coaches and players to stream data analysis in real time from any location, including during the game.
NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg said today that the appointment of Prozone was a key step in taking Rugby League to a new era of professionalism.
“Statistics is an incredibly important part of the modern game and we have reviewed systems both locally and internationally," he said.
“Prozone clearly delivers a fantastic proposition for the game and the technology they will introduce over the next couple of years will add a new dimension to coaching.
“Among the key criteria we looked at was the ability to respond quickly to world’s best practice and to innovate.
“Prozone has committed to invest significant resources in the immediate implementation project and we will work in collaboration with all clubs to ensure a smooth transition.
“We will be up and running in time for the season and we will introduce more and more technology options in the months and years ahead.”
NRL Head of Marketing, Content and Digital, Lewis Pullen, said that the decision to partner with an international brand leader was a strategic move in growing the game.
“This is exciting new technology and, importantly, it is also a partnership that ensures the game controls and owns all statistical information.
“It is an important step in a long-term strategy to not only assist clubs but to change the way our fans enjoy the game and to open new avenues for how we can work with our commercial partners.”
Prozone’s Global Head of Multi-Sport Ryan Paterson added: “Prozone exists to give meaning to data through the combination of our industry leading products, innovative technology and expertise in data analytics.
“We are proud to be working with the NRL and look forward to helping them achieve their objectives in the coming seasons.”
