RBS 6 Nations hops on analytics train with Accenture
New insights into annual tournament will be delivered through Big Data analytics

Big Data firm and the RBS 6 Nations have teamed up to bring rugby fans greater insight into the 15 games of the annual tournament through analytics.
The company has brought together a team of experts, including Italy and South Africa coach Nick Mallett and former England internationals Ben Kay and David Flatman.
The analysis team will bring together their own expertise and insight and combine it with the analytics and business intelligence (BI) tools offered by Accenture to provide a data-driven perspective on the games of the 2016 tournament.
Nick Mallett said: "The importance of data in sport has been growing steadily for well over a decade, with coaches all around the world seeking to gain even the smallest advantage on the field.
"I believe that by utilising the smartest analysis ... fans will be able to review not just game-changing moments but the reasons behind them; the game plan, how single moments affect results and, more importantly, have an improved fan experience during the RBS 6 Nations."
Nick Millman, managing director of Big Data and analytics delivery lead Europe, Africa and Latin America at Accenture, added: "Bringing Ben Kay and David Flatman onto the team to supplement Nick Mallett's extensive international rugby experience will ensure the analysis team has the very best rugby knowledge to sit alongside our technical expertise.
"Our team will study two million rows of data per game using Accenture analytics tools to provide fans with insights that not only help them see the game in a new way but also enrich their RBS 6 Nations experience, for what is shaping up to be a very exciting Championship."
The use of analytics to improve fan experience is becoming more and more popular in sport, with the Women's Tennis Association and SAP pairing up in 2015 to offer new insights into the game.
Analysis from the Accenture team will be tweeted via @AccentureRugby throughout the RBS 6 Nations 2016 tournament.
Get the ITPro. daily newsletter
Receive our latest news, industry updates, featured resources and more. Sign up today to receive our FREE report on AI cyber crime & security - newly updated for 2023.

Jane McCallion is ITPro's deputy editor, specializing in cloud computing, cyber security, data centers and enterprise IT infrastructure. Before becoming Deputy Editor, she held the role of Features Editor, managing a pool of freelance and internal writers, while continuing to specialise in enterprise IT infrastructure, and business strategy.
Jane holds an MA in journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, and a BA in Applied Languages from the University of Portsmouth. She is fluent in French and Spanish, and has written features in both languages.
Prior to joining ITPro, Jane was a freelance business journalist writing as both Jane McCallion and Jane Bordenave for titles such as European CEO, World Finance, and Business Excellence Magazine.
Receive our latest news, industry updates, featured resources and more. Sign up today to receive our FREE report on AI cyber crime & security - newly updated for 2023.
Thank you for signing up to ITPro.. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.