Catapult x Rugby Australia: Driving innovation together
Catapult is trusted by more than 2,900 teams worldwide to deliver technologies that empower users to make a positive impact on performance.
Having been at the forefront of the development of GPS technology in sport since 2006, we are continually innovating to ensure that our clients and partners get the best possible experience. Conscious of the reliance many organisations have on tracking data, we work alongside teams and federations to ensure that any questions or suggestions they have are acted on and factored in to each project.
Partners in Innovation
Rugby Australia are one of our longest-standing partners and we have developed an effective partnership that brings their staff into the testing, validation and development of our technology.
Taking the collaboration beyond 12 years, Rugby Australia recently signed an extension to the partnership that will see the Catapult Vector and ClearSky systems used across all Australian representative teams, Super Rugby franchises, academies and match officials.
As one of the leading governing bodies in world rugby, access to precise technical and physical data is essential for Rugby Australia to effectively analyse and develop performance across their representative teams. As part of the deal recently agreed between Catapult and Rugby Australia, the governing body undertook an extensive testing of the technology.
As with any partnership, both parties are continually working together to maximise the quality and impact of the technology and the data derived from it. Where we’ve encountered challenges we have worked swiftly to solve issues and provide optimum service. For example, the challenges associated with partially closed stadia such as Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane was solved by installing our ClearSky local positioning system to vastly reduce the possibility of data interference. Similarly, Rugby Australia was involved in the development of the new metrics that formed part of our recently updated Rugby Suite.
It’s these kinds of initiatives and collaborative solutions that ensure Rugby Australia and Catapult are not just client and provider, but partners in innovation.
Listening, Sharing, Solving
As part of our commitment to developing the very best tracking technologies for sport, we are continually investing in research and development initiatives. Last year Catapult ploughed $10m into R&D projects, a significant investment that paved the way for the build and launch of the Vector system.
“The amount of resource Catapult has dedicated to honing the precision of its technology in recent years marks the business out as a clear leader in its field,” says Scott Johnson, Director of Rugby at Rugby Australia. “No other company in this space is willing to listen to and act upon the feedback of its clients, and that is a major driving force behind our working relationship.”
As part of that strong two-way dialogue, the partnership between Catapult and Rugby Australia has always been underpinned by openness and professionalism on both sides. This has helped to set expectations and ensure that Rugby Australia always have access to exceptional levels of technical support and customer service.
“The long partnership between Catapult and Rugby Australia is no accident,” says Johnson. “As well as providing elite monitoring technologies, Catapult have been open and honest with us at every stage. The professional attitude of their staff makes for an excellent customer experience, and they are always willing to listen to our feedback and find practical, effective solutions. That kind of approach isn’t always easy to find in this industry.”
We look forward to continuing to work closely with Rugby Australia over the coming years as we join forces to ensure that athletes and coaches are equipped with the tools that can help them take on-field performance to the next level.
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