From the scrum to the cloud: Amazon Web Services and New Zealand Rugby sign agreement to elevate fan experiences and high-performance data.

Amazon Web Services New Zealand Limited (AWS NZ) and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have signed a new agreement to use AWS technology to elevate connections with millions of fans worldwide and support its high-performance data analytics programme. 

The agreement sees AWS NZ become an official supplier of NZR, providing its world-class cloud and data capabilities to the organisation. As NZR’s cloud provider, AWS NZ will support the organisation in two key areas:

• Enhancing fan experiences: NZR will leverage AWS’s data platform to drive improved fan experiences across multiple digital touchpoints like www.AllBlacks.com and the organisation’s content hub, NZR+. 
• Understanding player performance: NZR will use AWS's cloud data platform to process thousands of data points per player, enabling NZR to develop different models and insights to support high performance decision-making on and off the field. 

“We’re excited to welcome AWS New Zealand as our official cloud supplier for New Zealand Rugby,” said Yarnie Guthrie, NZR General Manager Commercial. “We are looking forward to leveraging the cloud to offer even more experiences for rugby fans across the world, and to deliver data insights that support high-performance outcomes. We are really focused on driving engagement with our fans - and there are plenty of synergies in this collaboration that we are eager to explore.” 

"Rugby is a game of precision, where the smallest advantages can determine the outcome, and this is exactly where AWS's capabilities prove transformative ,” said Manuel Bohnet, Country Manager for AWS New Zealand. “Our cloud infrastructure and advanced data capabilities empower thousands of New Zealand organisations to accelerate growth and innovation - all backed by world-class security and resilience. We are proud and excited to help New Zealand Rugby leverage their data to deliver high- performance insights, while creating more immersive fan experiences for one of the country's most loved sports, as New Zealand Rugby explores new ways to engage fans of rugby across the world.”

New Zealand Rugby has already begun work with AWS NZ on enhancing its High Performance Analytics platform, with fan engagement initiatives a next step. 

This agreement is part of AWS’s broader commitment to strengthen Aotearoa’s digital future to compete on the global stage. Later this year, AWS will launch its AWS Region in Auckland, representing a NZ$7.5 billion investment, which is projected to create 1,000 new jobs and contribute NZD $10.8 billion to Aotearoa’s GDP over 15 years. AWS will also continue its pledge to train 100,000 people in Aotearoa by 2028, ensuring the country has the skills to match its world-class cloud infrastructure. To date, AWS has already completed cloud training for more than 50,000 Kiwi.  

These announcements, and more, reinforce AWS’s commitment to support the ongoing growth, innovation, and digital transformation of our Kiwi customers and the nation itself.