New Zealand Rugby have announced a new sponsorship agreement with communications giant Vodafone.
A four-year partnership will see the two combine to produce "world-class digital experiences for rugby fans inside and outside the stadium."
NZ Rugby CEO Steve Tew believes the agreement will place the All Blacks at the cutting edge of sport and technology integration.
"We want to offer rugby fans the ultimate experience," said Tew in a statement.
"This partnership with Vodafone means local rugby fans will have access to in-stadium technology that is at the forefront of what is available around the world to watch the game. It is an incredibly exciting development.
"It is important to us that we move with the times and offer a world leading fan experience, and in this day and age that means integrating innovative technology into our fan offering.
"Vodafone will be helping us to connect rugby fans with the game in new ways as well leveraging Vodafone’s experience in digital transformation to grow the game of rugby."
The partnership will come into effect for the upcoming Lions series in New Zealand next month, with Vodafone set to offer a phone application which will allow fans to "replay tries, view highlights and watch alternative live footage from multiple different camera angles."
Vodafone Chief Executive Russell Stanners is confident the new technology will break down the barrier between fans and players and add a new dimension to the game-viewing experience.
"If you look at the major sporting franchises around the world, they are all focusing on how they engage with their player communities, enhance the experience for fans and provide new viewing experiences for more people," Stanners said.
The Vodafone logo will not feature on the All Blacks jersey, nor will the agreement impact the existing sponsorhip in place with the NRL's New Zealand Warriors.
Newshub.
