LIMERICK will play a central role in the performance of the world’s top rugby teams with confirmation that sports analytics company Stats Perform has established a Global Rugby Centre of Excellence in the city.
The company, which has been based in Limerick since 2017, is actively recruiting for a number of open positions and by year-end will mark the significant milestone of reaching 60 full-time and 280 part-time employees.
The expansion of functions to create the Rugby Centre of Excellence has created more than 100 new roles in Limerick over the past 12 months in the areas of Rugby Union, Rugby League and Soccer, as well as supporting functions in video operations, data quality control and business intelligence.
Stats Perform Senior Vice President Gráinne Barry said that after Limerick was selected as its European headquarters, the establishment of a Rugby Centre of Excellence was a natural next step for the company.
This progression was due to Limerick’s position as lead location for the sports technology cluster in Ireland and the availability of talent within the local region.
“As the world’s leading data provider to the world’s top rugby governing bodies and teams, Stats Perform will be providing global rugby and teams with media solutions, digital platforms and team performance analysis services.
“Stats Perform services every part of the rugby world, including the British and Irish Lions, the Six Nations, Premiership Rugby, The New Zealand All Blacks, Pro 14, France, Australia, along with working with World Rugby during their global competitions,” Ms Barry explained.
Describing Limerick as the ideal location for Global Rugby Operations, Stats Perform Director of Business Operations Seamus Monaghan said the passion and knowledge for rugby in Limerick had contributed heavily to their success in the sector.
“Access to third level institutions and overall talent in the area has been a real partnership for Stats Perform and we are extremely positive about our future in the region,” he added.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said the establishment of the Global Rugby Centre of Excellence in Limerick demonstrated the company’s continued dedication to the region and proves that Ireland remains an attractive location for industry leaders in all areas of business.
Minister of State and local Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins described the announcement as yet another positive development for Limerick and the Mid-west region.
“Coming on the back of the recent announcement by Lilly, our total new jobs announcements this month is the biggest we have seen in years. Limerick is a great place to live and work, and employers recognise that we have a pipeline of high quality workers available to fulfil the roles they are seeking,” he added.
