Data in rugby and Ireland’s tactical revolution explained

Sam Larner’s new book clarifies why the game looks the way it does

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Ireland's recent win over England at Twickenham illustrated their evolving tactical approach. Photograph: Billy Stickland/©INPHO
Ireland's recent win over England at Twickenham illustrated their evolving tactical approach. Photograph: Billy Stickland/©INPHO

Sam Larner has, quite literally, written the book on data in rugby.

In his recent publication, Attacking the Space: Inside rugby’s data and tactics revolution, Larner attempts to explain why the game looks the way it does in a manner accessible to the Irish fan.

He joins Nathan Johns to explain why data shapes Ireland’s recent tactical evolution towards a kicking game, why putting boot to ball isn’t an inherently ugly thing, why Leinster changed their props so early in the game and how Munster have lost ’the best attack coach in the world.’

Produced by John Casey.

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