Catapult signs league-wide agreement with the Welsh Rugby Union
Catapult Group International Limited (ASX: CAT) today announced it has signed an agreement for a minimum four-year term with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), under which Catapult will provide the WRU with tracking units for high performance purposes.
Under the agreement, the WRU will acquire a total of 318 tracking units covering nine teams including international and regional (Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets) sides. Each team, through the WRU’s high performance pathway, will use Catapult’s market leading analytics platform for all training and game-day sessions to help drive enhanced physical performance in elite rugby union in Wales.
Commenting on the agreement with Catapult, WRU CEO Martyn Phillips, said:
“The WRU is delighted to extend the use of Catapult tracking units within our high-performance pathway. We have nine teams across our regions and at international level which will be supported with the latest technology from Catapult.”
The agreement will also explore live match-day tracking using Catapult’s latest stadia technology – ClearSky. For select games the WRU may explore opportunities for broadcast partners to use live metrics supported by Catapult.
Karl Hogan, Global Head of League & Data Partnerships for Catapult commented: “The WRU is a great example of an elite sport governing body that is forward thinking and innovative. That makes them a great partner for Catapult to work with in both driving increased athletic performance and also exploring opportunities to showcase the broadcast capabilities of our technology – especially Clearsky. Whereas we have had previous relationships with the national and some regional teams, we are delighted to now be expanding this to all nine teams via a centralised agreement.”
The WRU was formed in 1881 and is the governing body of rugby union in Wales. The WRU is responsible for more than 320 member clubs across the country and the development of players, coaches and referees across all age groups.
The pursuit of agreements with National Governing Bodies and professional leagues continues to be a key strategic focus for Catapult. The WRU agreement follows recent deals signed with the National Basketball League (Australia), La Liga Nacional de Básquetbol (Argentina), the England and Wales Cricket Board, Cricket Australia, the US Women’s Soccer League, the Australian Rules Football League and the Australian Rugby Union.