Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

School of Computer Science

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Research centre

Centre for Data Science

Primary Supervisor

Associate Professor Dimitri Perrin
Position
Head of School, Computer Science
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Science

Overview

Sport is increasingly becoming a data-intensive field. For instance, the use of advanced analytics has transformed baseball (you may have read read or watched Moneyball) or basketball. While data is becoming more widely available in rugby, it has not yet been used to the same extent.

In this project, you will collaborate with the QUT Centre for Data Science and the Queensland Reds on developing technical solutions that support their team.

There are several possible directions for the work, due to the variety of data available. We are developing tools to process entire games at the level of individual events (such every pass, tackle or kick). We are also working with game and training footage. We are interested in developing new performance metrics at the team or player level. You could also focus on season-level data and focus on predictive modelling.

Your specific focus will be developed based on your interests and in discussion with the team.

Research engagement

As part of the project, you will review relevant literature (in rugby and other sports) and contribute to method development.

Research activities

You will develop or apply Data Science and AI methods for rugby analytics. You will work with A/Prof Dimitri Perrin, and with collaborators at the Queensland Reds.

Research skills

You will gain hands-on experience with advanced Data Science and AI methods, and with sports analytics in an elite sport context. Through your interactions with all stakeholders, you will also improve your communication skills.

Outcomes

The project aims to develop methods that address genuine needs for the team and help them succeed.

Skills and experience

Good programming skills (and ideally experience with Python) are important. Additional requirements may apply depending on your focus (for instance machine learning experience if you work on video data). Interest in rugby and familiarity with the laws of the game would be beneficial but is not required.

Start date

2 November, 2026

End date

19 February, 2027

Location

Most of the work will be conducted remotely. Meetings with the supervisor will take place on the Gardens Point campus, at the National Rugby Training Centre (Ballymore) or online.

Keywords

Contact

A/Prof Dimitri Perrin

0731381923

dimitri.perrin@qut.edu.au