12 September 2023

The Republic of Ireland’s international rugby union squad has detailed plans to make use of private 5G at the sport’s forthcoming world cup, teaming with Ericsson and Vodafone Ireland to deploy a standalone (SA) network from a customised van.

Ericsson and Vodafone initially installed a private SA 5G network at an Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) facility to provide coaches and players with real-time video analysis intended to improve decision-making. The partners tested the technology at the squad’s training camp, with the network now set to be deployed in a ‘bespoke 5G connected vehicle’ at the Rugby World Cup, scheduled to take place in France from next month.

Ericsson stated IRFU previously employed ‘standard WiFi in stadiums and training sites. It claimed the faster data rates and lower latency afforded by the private network will enhance decision making during matches by providing information from up to eight high-resolution video streams and a 5G-connected drone.