Smartball has revolutionised data in rugby and refereeing could be next | Gavin Willacy

New technology can tell how much a kick is swirling but not whether a pass is forward or a try has been scored – yet

By Gavin Willacy for No Helmets Required

While Twickenham debated why England can’t hold on to a lead at home and whether the southern hemisphere is pulling away from the north in rugby union now as well as league, those watching the Autumn Nations Series on TV saw a new toy being played with.

Viewers as well as match officials, broadcasters and coaches could now see exactly how much spin was on a pass, how high a kick went and how much it was spiralling. But however impressive the smartball technology, two of rugby’s thorniest questions – did that pass go forward? And did the player ground the ball for a try? – remain unsolved.

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