New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport, Foundation Members, and Players Association Unite in Data Usage Agreement to Propel Sports Innovation

- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

The New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS), in collaboration with its Foundation Members ( Hurricanes , Wellington Phoenix Football Club , Wellington Rugby ) and the Players Associations from both Rugby ( New Zealand Rugby Players Association - NZRPA) and Football (New Zealand Professional Footballers Association – NZPFA), proudly announces a groundbreaking Data Usage Agreement aimed at transforming the landscape of sports management and athlete welfare.

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This strategic partnership represents a significant leap forward in leveraging data-driven insights to drive innovation, enhance player performance, and prioritise athlete welfare within New Zealand sport. By securely managing athlete data, the agreement establishes a foundation for pioneering initiatives that support competitive excellence, holistic player development and commercial opportunities.

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Key highlights of the Data Usage Agreement include:

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1. Development of New Revenue Streams:?Utilising advanced data analytics, the partners will explore new avenues for revenue generation, ensuring sustainable growth and investment in sporting talent and infrastructure.

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2. Secure Management of Athlete Data:?Upholding rigorous standards of data privacy and security, the agreement outlines protocols to responsibly handle and utilise athlete data, safeguarding player rights.

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3. Facilitation of Performance Initiatives:?Through sophisticated data analysis, the partnership aims to optimise player performance strategies, providing coaches and management with actionable insights to enhance on-field achievements.

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4. Advancement of Player Welfare Initiatives:?Central to the agreement is a commitment to enhancing player welfare through data-driven health and wellness programs, promoting long-term physical and mental resilience among athletes.

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In statements from the Players Associations and the Foundation Member clubs, they have collectively expressed enthusiasm for the agreement. Emphasising a shared commitment to innovation, integrity, and the well-being of players as core principles guiding this transformative initiative.

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In a joint statement between the Players Associations, Andrew Scott-Howman (General Counsel NZPFA) and Rob Nichol (CEO NZRPA) supported the collaboration, agreeing that “protecting the fundamental rights of players in relation to their data while at the same time finding ways to utilise and innovate with it to benefit not only players but, ultimately, their respective sports is no easy feat. This initiative creates the framework to achieve this and that’s what excites both the NZPFA and the NZRPA.”

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The Foundation Member clubs to NZCIS (Wellington Phoenix, Hurricanes and Wellington Rugby), offered their own statements of the potential impact on the future of sports in New Zealand.

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“It has been critical the players associations, clubs and NZCIS work collaboratively in this process” with David Dome , GM of the Wellington Phoenix explaining, “this groundbreaking data collaboration agreement across codes is an incredibly important innovation in New Zealand sport. Through NZCIS, New Zealand high performance sports is in a unique position to add some incredible insights into player performance and development. This agreement, utilising player data to enable learning across codes, is the first time anything like this has been achieved in this country and the potential is truly exciting”

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“It’s an exciting time for us, joining forces with NZCIS, our foundation members and the NZRPA,” observed Avan Lee , CEO of the Hurricanes, “this agreement holds immense potential for advancing performance and player welfare, and we’re eager to work closely with our partners to unlock these opportunities.”

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“This agreement is a major milestone for Wellington Rugby. We’re excited about the potential to innovate and elevate our approach to player development and wellbeing,” adds WRFU CEO Tony Giles. “Collaborating closely with our partners will be key to achieving these new goals.”

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NZCIS, the Foundation Members, and Players Associations are set to commence implementation of the Data Usage Agreement immediately, with plans for ongoing consultation and collaboration to maximise its benefits.

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“This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in sport,” remarked Jamie Tout, Director of NZCIS. “By harnessing data responsibly, we aim to not only elevate performance but also to prioritise the comprehensive development and welfare of athletes, ensuring sustained success both on and off the field.”

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For further inquiries or media requests regarding the Data Usage Agreement, please contact:

Jamie Tout

New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS)

+64 274877987

[email protected]

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Stay updated on developments and announcements by visiting www.nzcis.co.nz

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About New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS):

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The New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) is dedicated to advancing sporting excellence through innovation, research, and strategic partnerships. Comprising leading experts in sports and technology, NZCIS aims to propel New Zealand sport onto the global stage with a focus on sustained success, inclusivity, and collaboration.

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About the Foundation Members:

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Wellington Phoenix is New Zealand’s oldest professional football club, playing in the Australian A-League, which has both men’s and women’s professional teams. Since 2011, the Wellington Phoenix Academy has produced a record 60+ New Zealand internationals from U17 to full representatives and the club’s Academy has produced internationals for the USA, Mexico and the Solomon Islands as well as many players who have gone to clubs including Bournemouth (EPL), St Etienne (League Un), Portland Timbers/LA Galaxy (MLS), Bayern Munich (Germany), Empoli FC (Serie A, Italy), Br?ndby (Superliga, Denmark) and Plymouth Argyle (Championship, England).

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Wellington Rugby Football Union (WRFU) is the governing body in the greater Wellington region who lead, support, grow, and promote rugby from the community game through to our representative teams. Established in 1879 the WRFU is the joint oldest provincial rugby union in New Zealand.?

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The Hurricanes is a professional men’s rugby union team based in Wellington that competes in the DHL Super Rugby competition. Born out of the advent of professional rugby at the end of 1995, the Wellington, Taranaki, Manawatu, Hawke's Bay, East Coast, Poverty Bay, Wanganui, Wairarapa-Bush and Horowhenua-Kapiti unions all formed the Hurricanes region.

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About the Players Associations:

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The NZPFA is the representative body for all players selected by New Zealand Football to play for the All Whites or Football Ferns. Established in 2001, the NZPFA is committed to supporting these players and helping build the game in New Zealand.

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The NZRPA is the independent representative body of New Zealand professional rugby players. Since its inception in 1999, the NZRPA has worked with passion and purpose for the players and the game, representing its members on issues of importance and providing support that transcends their tenure in the jersey.

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Note to Editors: Please use the above contact information for all press inquiries related to the Data Usage Agreement between New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport, Foundation Members, and the Players Association.

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