GUINNESS PRO12 pioneers revolutionary Hawk-Eye technology

World Rugby is collaborating with Hawk-Eye Innovations, Rugby World Cup 2015 host broadcaster ITV and Sky Sports to trial video review technology for consideration ahead of England 2015.

The objective of the trial is to determine how new technology can enhance player welfare, while strengthening the accuracy and efficiency of the television match official (TMO) decision-making process.

PRO12 Rugby has agreed to participate in a live test of the technology, with full support of Sky Sports, at selected matches for the remainder of the 2014-15 GUINNESS PRO12 season.

The trial will debut on Saturday at the Scarlets' home match with Munster in Llanelli, while trials will also take place at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy.

And PRO12 Rugby Chief Executive John Feehan has welcomed the decision.

He said: "We are delighted to assist in the development of any systems to improve player welfare and the match officiating process.

"World Rugby, Hawk-Eye and both Sky Sports and ITV are to be commended for bringing the process this far and the Guinness PRO12 is glad to provide the opportunity to trial this technology and progress this welcome initiative further."

With England 2015 set to be the best-attended and most-viewed rugby event to date, the approach underscores World Rugby's commitment to ensuring the best-possible service for teams and fans.

While the protocol will be unchanged relating to the questions that the referee asks of the TMO, the technology that the TMO will have access to is being enhanced with access to simultaneous multiple angle replays in real-time and slow motion delivered by Hawk-Eye's 'SMART Replay' technology.

Hawk-Eye's 'SMART Replay' is already being used by a number of sports including baseball, athletics, horseracing, football, badminton, volleyball and Australian Rules football.

The technology works by recording all broadcast angles in real time and making this content available immediately either on-site or remotely to help multiple stakeholders across sports officiating, player welfare, coaching and content management.

Managing Director of Hawk-Eye, Stephen Carter, said: "As rugby fans, we're very excited about the opportunity to use our technology to help the TMO and medical teams make accurate and fast decisions.

"We would like to thank World Rugby for taking a strong leadership position and we are confident that our technology can further enhance player welfare and accuracy of decision-making."

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