By PHIL CAPLAN
WITH teams now back in pre-season training where so much of the groundwork for future success is done, the methodologies behind the sessions could not be more scientific.
No longer just repetitive distance runs or repeated hill climbs until the last one is left standing, nor physical contact to the point of exhaustion crammed into the limited window available, much more is now planned on a computer and delivered into short, sharp, relevant windows.
As Neil Sahota notes in global media magazine Forbes, more famous for its business and financial news and influential lists and rankings: “In the rugged, adrenaline-fueled world of rugby, a quiet yet profound revolution is underway.
“It’s not taking place on the grassy pitches where titanic battles are fought, but in the digital realm where data and technology intersect.”
He reveals: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming, reshaping the sport in ways as dynamic as the game itself. Teams in the NRL are harnessing AI to scrutinise player movements, strategies, and even predictive injury analysis.
“This technology allows for a level of insight that was previously unattainable, giving coaches and players the tools to optimise their training and strategies.”
It is also becoming much more of the norm here, hence most TV close ups on the coaching staff now showing an analyst as a vital part of the team.
As clubs chase every marginal gain, the winning one-per-centers so often referred to, understanding the numbers behind preparation and in play has never been more important, with an increasing demand for evidence-based decisions rather than those of just experience or emotion.
Player welfare is, rightly, front and centre, with many sides closely linked to universities renowned for their sports science courses so that they can evaluate increasing amounts of relevant data, from GPS tracking and player biometrics to detailed match statistics—to inform everything from training loads to tactical tweaks.
It means that club training staff can formulate AI-driven training programmes tailored to each player’s unique physiology, while wearable technology has transformed how player health is managed.
Devices that can monitor vital signs, track movements and analyse physical responses, even in intense training, offer real-time insights into a player’s condition.
Such a proactive approach is not just enhancing performance but is also ensuring the longevity of players’ careers.
As the technology continues to develop, coaches and their staff can spot trends, anticipate opposition moves, and fine-tune their own performances with a level of precision that was unthinkable a decade ago.
But it is not just in the planning of pre-season schedules either, AI algorithms can evaluate physiological traits.
Such a data-driven approach is leading recruiters to uncover hidden gems and sign players more strategically than ever before.
Next in development, and with IMG at the forefront in league terms, AI is set to revolutionise the fan experience.
From AI-based apps providing in-depth game analysis to virtual reality experiences that put fans at the heart of the action, technology is making the game more accessible and engaging.
Advanced analytics provide viewers with deeper insights into the game, breaking down complex plays and strategies in a way that enriches the viewing experience.
Such use of the new technology also provides seasoned enthusiasts with a more nuanced understanding of the game.
According to a feature on Yahoo!Sports by Playmaker Stats: “While the benefits of analytics are clear, integrating them into the fabric of rugby league is not without its challenges.
“Clubs must invest in technology, upskill their staff, and ensure that data-driven insights complement rather than complicate established coaching methods.
“There’s also the matter of trust – players and coaches need to buy into the process for it to deliver real results.”
There is little doubt that, as rugby league continues to evolve, the role of data analytics will only grow in importance.
“The sport’s unique blend of physicality and strategy makes it ripe for innovation, and clubs that harness the power of information will set the standard for years to come,” explains the Yahoo feature.
“Whether it’s refining tactics, reducing injuries, or simply making the game more exciting for fans, the data-driven approach is here to stay. The future of rugby league belongs to those who can read between the lines – and the numbers.”
As Sahota concludes: “It’s about deepening our appreciation and understanding of a sport.
“AI is not here to replace the essence of rugby but to amplify it, ensuring that the game we love continues to evolve and inspire for generations to come.”