Ericsson and Vodafone partner to install 5G Standalone MPN solution for Irish rugby team

Ericsson and Vodafone Ireland have joined forces to install a 5G Standalone Mobile Private Network (MPN) solution for the Irish rugby team. The solution will increase the communication of performance data between coaches and players in preparation for the upcoming 2023 Rugby World Cup scheduled for September.

The solution will be deployed at the Irish Rugby Football Union's High Performance Centre. It will be brought to France in a bespoke 5G-connected van for the upcoming World Cup.

"Our 5G MPN technology is a demonstration of how technology and connectivity innovation can enhance the business of sport and the performance of teams, bringing added layers of data and analysis to coaches, management, and their players," said Vodafone Ireland Network Director, Sheila Kavanagh.

Up until now, the Irish rugby team relied on third-party best-effort connectivity, including standard WiFi, across stadiums and training facilities both domestically and internationally. The 5G Standalone MPN solution combined with cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology enables advanced real-time performance analysis, enhancing decision-making.

This pioneering connectivity allows up to eight high-resolution video streams to be captured simultaneously by a network of cameras and a 5G-connected drone. The captured footage is then processed in real-time, generating a wealth of data that offers invaluable insights into team performance and enhances communication between management, coaches, and players.

"5G is the ultimate platform of future innovation and our successful partnership with Vodafone continues to ensure new organisations like the IRFU can benefit from the low latency, high bandwidth, and secure connectivity of a 5G standalone private network. Our global leadership in 5G technology and accelerated software availability mean the IRFU will be one step ahead of their competitors on and off the field, giving them the best chance of success at an elite level of performance and revolutionizing the future of a key function within the sports industry," said John Griffin, Head of Ericsson Ireland.