A revolutionary new rugby ball which is set to change the way the game is refereed is set to be introduced on the international stage this summer. The new smart ball technology will be trialled at next month's under-20 Rugby World Championship and will help officials make accurate decisions more quickly and keep games flowing.
World Rugby has collaborated with analytics company Sportable and sports equipment manufacturer Gilbert to help develop the ball and "explore how the emergence of new technology and artificial intelligence can help shape the future of the sport, aiding the flow of the game and taking fan experience to the next level".
It is hoped that the smart ball will help referees with their decisions by tackling a number of common, but challenging, aspects of law. These areas include whether a ball has been passed forward, whether the ball is over the try-line, whether the ball has been touched in flight and line, where touch has been found and whether a lineout throw was straight.
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The smart ball is tracked in 3D and real-time with beacons positioned around the pitch to determine its exact position up to 20 times per second. These beacons will provide immediate feedback on every kick, pass and throw, with a direct feed made available to the TMO, who will in turn use the information to provide feedback to the referee. World Rugby says the smart ball is "already successfully delivering data to aid broadcast and digital experiences", but recent testing has also demonstrated its potential to assist with officiating.
It will not be the only new piece of technology introduced at the U20 World Championship in South Africa in June however, with the innovative TMO Bunker also set to be in operation.
World Rugby director of rugby Phil Davies said: "A fast game is a good game, and it is right that we explore technology that has the potential to help aid the flow of the game, reduce stoppage time and speed up match official decision-making. Rugby refereeing is perhaps the most difficult officiating job in sport. There are multiple decisions or non-decisions that are made at any given moment and the advancement of broadcast and social media means that such decisions are pored over long after the event".
He added: "The evolution of smart ball technology opens the door to assist match officials in reaching accurate decisions more quickly, removing subjectivity and reducing the chance of error. While this is a trial and the technology is new, we are excited about its potential and look forward to seeing it in action at the World Rugby U20 Championship.”
Sportable CEO and co-founder Dugald Macdonald said: “We are excited by the opportunity to further showcase the full capabilities of the Gilbert smart ball in the upcoming World Rugby U20 Championship. After the successful implementation of smart ball technology to enhance the fan experience through broadcast graphics and digital content, we are looking forward to this next phase and the introduction of our officiating solution that the smart ball provides.”
Gilbert CEO Richard Gray added: “We are delighted that World Rugby have selected the Gilbert iNNOVO smart ball powered by Sportable for the first global event to use the new technology. What better way to mark Gilbert’s 200 years in rugby than to launch such an innovative collaboration that will help improve the game on and off the field of play?”
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