Scarlets team up with innovative global partner

Scarlets have today announced a new partnership with US based Sparta Performance Science as the West Wales region continues to invest in the most innovative and advanced technologies.

A first in Wales, and amongst an elite group of only three UK sporting organisations, Scarlets are delighted to be putting Sparta Performance Science’s pioneering software to the test in West Wales.

Using force plate technology and SPARTA™ analytic software the Scarlets will track and monitor strength and speed to skills and regeneration like never before. In order to help players become stronger, healthier and more mentally tough Scarlets, with the help and support of SpartaTrac™, will be able to prescribe specific programmes to each player within the squad.

Scarlets Chief Operations Officer and General Manager of Rugby Jon Daniels said: “The introduction of SpartaTrac™ is another example of the investment the region is making to the rugby environment here at Parc y Scarlets.

“We are fortunate that we have a very supportive Board of Directors at the Scarlets who understand the importance of continuous investment into the training facilities and environment at the region as well as player investment. This investment is one that will continue to evolve and is an asset that will play a part in our future growth as a region.”

Dr Phil Wagner, founder of Sparta, said: “The evolving generations of athletes have grown up with the internet and the ability to have everything at their fingertips. Being transparent and educating them, giving them ownership of their own assessments and their own programmes is motivation in itself. They appreciate the software’s ability to immediately show their results in a very visual and meaningful way.

“Ultimately the coaches here at the Scarlets are keen to ensure optimum engagement from every single athlete which will in turn will lead to a more consistent playing field.”

Speaking about the introduction of the innovative new technology now in place at Scarlets, Head of Strength & Conditioning Huw Davies said: “We are delighted to be able to use such innovative technology here at the Scarlets.

“Currently only a handful of elite sporting organisations have had the opportunity to work with Phil; to be amongst the first in rugby and Europe is a privilege and a credit to the board for their commitment to innovation. SpartaTrac allows us to identify both the strengths and weaknesses in every players’ movement signature and enables us to tailor our S&C programmes to re-address any imbalances and enhance the areas in which they excel.”

“From a squad perspective the players will be able to see themselves improving week on week which is huge motivation, will increase overall performance but also player welfare which is so important in the modern game.”

Andrew Walker, Head of Scarlets Medical added: “As a medical team who screen players from a biomechanical point of view, with this new system that we’re fortunate enough to have, we can look at predicting injuries earlier.

“Having an in-depth movement signature for each player will allow us to put processes in place to improve them which in turn should decrease the risk of preventable injuries. It’s a fantastic tool for us as staff and for each individual player which will not only motivate them to improve but also motivate them to ensure performance gains.”