FRU adopts new system

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has partnered with France-based data analysis company AIA (Athlete Improvement Analysis) to monitor its players. 

The partnership was forged yesterday at Rugby House it lays the foundation for the Fiji Rugby Management System (FRMS) which will capture player data from as young as 12-years-old to Skipper Cup, Marama Cup and to our national teams. 

The AIA programme will employ a dedicated team of rugby specialists in video analysis, data science, and statistics. 

The match footage will be processed through advanced coding to deliver a comprehensive synthesis of every on-field action, providing Fiji’s coaching staff with unparalleled insights for training and tactical planning. 

AIA Sports chief executive officer Thomas Lievremont said the new system will be implemented at the start of the Skipper Cup competition. 

“We are organising to create licenses with schools, clubs and professionals in Fiji and around the world,” he said. 

“The players will have a FRU identification that will match with professional Ids in France and all over the world. We have to plan now but we’ll be ready by the start of the Skipper cup.” 

FRU CEO Koli Sewabu it would be the first centralised management system platform which is designed for the unique ecosystem of Fiji rugby. 

“It means unified visibility so from the grassroots clubs in the villages to our Flying Fijians and Fijiana teams,” Sewabu said. 

“We will have a single source of player registration, medical records, load monitoring and administrative communications. All accessible, secure and streamlined.” 

Sewabu said the move has influenced digital transformation from manual data entry in a professional operation. 

“It means data driven and decision making at every level,” he said. 

“AIA Sports is not just a software provider; they are pioneers in athlete improvement analysis funded by the Legends of the game like Thomas Lievremont.” 

The new system will allow coaches from national to eighth grade to track development pathways. 

“We can identify talent earlier, nurture it smarter and manage careers with a long-term vision,” he said. 

“This database will allow our union to regulate indemnity fees both nationally and globally in order to promote the development of clubs in Fiji.” 

Sewabu added the new system represents the union’s commitment to operate as a tier one rugby nation. 

“Tier one thinking is about precision, it’s about foresight and leaving nothing to chance,” he said.