In the world of sports, analytics is changing how players and teams perform, especially in rugby. Let’s look at Dan Biggar. He’s a Welsh fly-half for Toulon and has represented Wales over 100 times. He’s played in World Cups and Six Nations, earning three titles and a Grand Slam. So, what does he think about analytics?
Biggar finds the term “culture” fascinating. “You can’t coach culture,” he says. When you try, it feels forced. It’s tricky to measure, too. How do you compare the All Blacks’ culture to England’s or Wales’s? It’s like something that forms naturally over time.
He reflects on Welsh rugby’s mindset, traditionally seen as underdogs. During the years 2011 to 2021, they defied that label and became leaders. “That shift happened through hard work,” he explains. It’s about how culture and hard work overlap. If your stats show you’re not working hard, then claiming a strong culture doesn’t hold up.
Biggar emphasizes the accountability data brings. He used to rely on instinct, but now, with stats and video, he’s learned to reassess his decisions on the field. “If we disagreed in the heat of the moment, it was settled quickly off the pitch,” he shares. They’d discuss stats to find better ways to improve.
He’s noticed a shift in players’ attitudes toward analytics. Now, they eagerly seek out stats and analysis, especially in playmaking roles. “As a fly-half, I need to understand not just my role but also what opponents do,” he says. Players today are more engaged with data than ever.
At a recent media event, Biggar showcased how innovations like Sportable’s “smart ball” provide real-time insights into player and ball movement. This tech helps create a deeper understanding of games and training. Companies like Sage are partnering with Sportable to bring this technology to rugby, giving teams a competitive edge through advanced analytics.
Raphael Brandon, from Sportable, emphasizes how the smart ball generates data that traditional methods can’t match. For instance, coaches can track the speed of ball movement—an objective measure of player performance. This automation in analysis democratizes access to sports analytics, benefiting teams across all levels.
That’s the future of rugby: blending culture and hard work with cutting-edge analytics to elevate the game.