The Sharks have signed a multi-year deal with Irish-based sports technology giants STATSports in a bid to boost performance.
The new partnership will see The Sharks use the STATSports Apex Pro Series and Sonra 3.0 software. The Durban-based outfit hope to aid player development, maximise squad performance and reduce injury risk ahead of the 2021 Rugby season with the technology.
With data analysis and workload management moving forward at lightning speed the Sharks are keen to align themselves with industry leaders.
Sharks sign long-term deal with performance technology giants STATSports
Global leaders in GPS performance tracking technology, STATSports’ device is worn in a performance vest between the shoulder blades and tracks multiple physical movement metrics including total max speed, running distance, high-speed running distance, intensity, and fatigue.
The data can be collected both post-session and live using iPad and smart watches, allowing the Sharks performance team to make reliably informed, real-time decisions pitch side.
The technology is also available to amateur players through STATSports’ individual GPS trackers and the Apex Athlete Series at statsports.com.
Players, parents, and coaches get real-time data at their fingertips via a smartphone app and establish next steps to enhance their physical performance.
Performance first
The Sharks High Performance Manager, Michael Horak is delighted with the newly established partnership and sees the tech as an integral part of the team’s plans for the coming campaigns.
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“It’s fantastic to have a world-renowned organisation like STATSports on-board ahead of the new season,” Horak said in a statement issued by the Sharks.
“The data their technology will provide has a direct impact on our squad and how we manage the players during the campaign.”
“With the accuracy of the data and the sophistication of the software, we can make real-time decisions in complete confidence which will give us an edge against some of the other teams,” added Horak.
Sharks join STATSports top-class clientele
Sean O’Connor, Co-Founder of STATSports added, “We’re obviously thrilled to have The Sharks sign on with us. They are not only one of the biggest brand names in South African rugby, but all of South Hemisphere rugby. We’re excited to be working together.”
STATSports are also official suppliers to the Springboks national team, England rugby, Ireland rugby, and a host of top clubs all over the world.
The Sharks are among the four South African teams who will compete in the Rainbow Cup and join the expanded Pro14 for the 2021/22 season, provided certain key restrictions are lifted.
