New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has secured its first-ever partnership with a major technology firm, hoping SAP’s expertise, solutions and scale will create a more efficient, connected, and innovative technology infrastructure for NZR.

The organisations will collaborate to identify and implement innovative cloud solutions from SAP and connect data across key areas of the business in an attempt to provide a competitive advantage for the Teams in Black and NZR’s wider rugby ecosystem. 

The partnership will see NZR leverage SAP solutions and co-innovate across four key areas including organisation operations, team performance, fan experience and sustainability.

In return SAP will receive various benefits including branding and signage in-stadium and on-field for NZR managed matches, branding across all digital platforms, player appearances and exclusive team and player experiences.

NZR chief information and technology officer, Angela Nash, said SAP will assist and support NZR in undertaking a digital transformation and potentially becoming the most technologically advanced rugby union in the world. 

“SAP is at the forefront of digital enablement globally and has 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,” said Nash.  

SAP executive board member, customer success, Scott Russel, also commented: “New Zealand Rugby has set an ambitious goal of becoming the most technologically advanced rugby union in the world.”

“As the organization’s first-ever technology partner, SAP can help NZR meet this goal by driving digital transformation across all areas of the business and introducing game-changing technologies that will help NZR teams run at their best – and win,” said Russel.  

Through the partnership SAP and NZR will also place emphasis on developing additional programs and initiatives that promote and celebrate diversity and inclusion.