Case: Rugby Football Union tries Big Data

Q1. Why did RFU enter into a 5 year deal with IBM?
RFU’s mission is to maximize profits from international ticket sales and vending so that it can
support the more than 60,000 volunteers who organize matcher and seminars, help secure
loans and insurance policies, fundraise, write grant proposals, provide medical advice and
support and perform the clerical duties that keep the lower-level clubs operating. To succeed in
this complicated mission, the RFU entered a five-year deal with IBM.
2. What is TryTracker?
TryTracker from IBM analyses data from international rugby matches and using analytical
dashboards it provides real-time statistical insights to fans regarding team performance.

3. What do Trytracker track?

The trytracker tracks tries and other various types of data in order to show analytics, which
comes helpful in improving game performance of the teams and engaging more fans.
4. What is the goal of Trytracker?
The goal of the trytracker is to provide data-visualization and relative statistics to draw in fans.
5. How are the keys to the game determined?
The keys of the game are determined ahead of a specific contest by analyzing a historical
database of past matchups between a pair.

6. RFU entered into a 5 year deal with IBM. The ultimate objective is to enhance
communication so that the Rugby game can attract more fans. How will this turn casual fans
into dedicated ones?
RFU hopes that enhanced communications will increase fan engagement. As their
understanding of game mechanics and emotional investment in what their teams need to do in
order to prevail grows, casual fans will become dedicated fans.