Six Nations Rugby has announced a new partnership with software technology company Sage.

The agreement covers both the men’s and women’s annual Six Nations tournaments, plus the Autumn Nations Series, and follows last week’s news that that Sage had become an official partner of Major League Baseball.

Under terms of the new partnership, the Newcastle-headquartered company will introduce greater insights into the game, enhancing fans’ viewing experience through real time data and analytics captured through smart ball technology and advanced predictive analytics.

Additionally, the partnership with Sage will enable all participating teams, coaches and players valuable insights to aid performance and on-field decision making.

According to a statement, the first time Sage technology will be visible for fans will be Scotland’s Autumn Nations Series game against Australia on 29th October.

Ben Morel, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, said, “Six Nations Rugby is a fan-focussed organisation, working in collaboration with each union, Federation, and partner and to deliver truly unmissable experiences. The partnership with Sage is incredibly exciting for everyone involved, as they share a desire to enhance the experience for audiences, and ultimately bring even more fans into the game.

“To offer fans even greater data and insight from the on-field action through innovative broadcast and social presentation is going to be another important step in ensuring we are offering the best possible experience for the audience, as well as supporting the teams on and off the field.”

Cath Keers, CMO of Sage added, “Becoming the official insights partner of Six Nations Rugby is an exciting step for Sage, as we continue to bring our insight and decision-making capabilities to life, in a human and accessible way.

“For some teams, the Autumn Nations Series will be the first time they have been able to gather data and insight from the smart ball technology. This is incredibly exciting, given our ambition to support teams in their decision making in training and during games, based on data led insight.

“For fans watching, Sage wants to use its role as official insights partner is to help bring that new insight to life and enhance their experience, both through broadcast coverage and across social media. Our Sage customers, partners, employees and communities internationally will also benefit from the partnership with access to tickets, experiences, and content.”