Ultimate Rugby almost certainly sounds like a version of the original game, but those in the rugby tech community know it as something else: an app that serves as fans’ primary mobile source for all things top-tier rugby.
The app, which won the top prize in the AIG Rugby Innovation Challenge in 2013, now is advancing its data-driven mission by partnering with Playertek, a maker of GPS-enabled wearables that track player performance, it was announced last week.
Ultimate Rugby, which currently claims 1.5 million users, works as a one-stop shop for anything rugby fans would need to know. Users can customize their favorite teams and leagues to create a feed of matches, standings, and other content. Individual team pages allow fans to buy tickets and merchandise and watch highlight videos, as well as engage with the team on social media.
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The partnership with Playertek takes the app from being entirely fan-based to working for players also. Playertek’s devices allow players to work with trainers and doctors to develop a training or rehabilitation program based on their position on the field. The pro-grade GPS tracks a player’s top speed, distance covered, and the distance and volume of sprints.
The Ultimate Rugby team will provide amateur-league players with Playertek’s wearables to use throughout the rest of the season. Through the data collected, Ultimate Rugby will be able to compare amateur players to each other and to rugby professionals.
The app is available for iOS, Android and mobile web.