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- SAP is NZR’s first ever major technology partner
- NZR wants to become the ‘most technologically advanced’ union in the world
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has agreed its first ever partnership with a major technology firm, hoping SAP’s expertise and innovations will accelerate the digital transformation of virtually every area of the union’s activities.
The German software giant will become the union’s official technology partner and official cloud software partner, an arrangement which covers everything from fan engagement and backroom operations through to the performance of New Zealand’s men’s, women’s, sevens, and U-20 teams.
The initial phase of the multi-year partnership will see NZR adopt SAP’s digital tools, simplifying and enhancing its existing technology infrastructure.
This integrated management system will give NZR access to data and capabilities that will modernise the organisation, aid the performance of off-field and on-field staff, and help it reach fans both at home and around the world.
There is also a significant sponsorship element, with SAP receiving in-stadium signage and branding on NZR’s digital platforms.
“NZR is undertaking a large digital transformation which really needs the support and expertise of a global technology organisation to help us achieve our vision of becoming the most technologically advanced rugby union in the world,” said Angela Nash, chief information and technology officer at NZR.
“SAP is at the forefront of digital enablement globally and have the tools to help us build a team of experts that not only share our vision but are world class in their skills and capabilities. It is great to have them on board as our first technology partner, working with NZR across all key platforms to review, enhance and enable us to provide technology systems that ensure we are the best both on and off the field.”
SAP works with several sports organisations across the world, combining the tools and technology it has built for the business world into a sports-specific suite of products. One of its most high profile partnerships with the National Basketball Association (NBA), while the German men’s national soccer team used SAP’s data analytics capabilities en route to winning the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.
