MUNSTER has appointed Signify Group and its industry-leading service, Threat Matrix, to provide its players, coaches, and their family members with year-round protection against online abuse and bullying.
Also signed up for a three-year period are the other provinces, along with Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and Rugby Players Ireland (RPI).
Using a hybrid of AI technology and human analysis, Threat Matrix detects targeted abusive and threatening content across all major social media platforms.
Alongside the technology driven aspects of the initiative, Signify will also deliver a number of in-person education and training workshops for players (men’s/women’s/academy), officials, and other stakeholders.
Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan, stated: “At Munster Rugby, the welfare of our players and staff is hugely important to us.”
“Unfortunately, online abuse within our sport has become increasingly prevalent in recent years and I’m pleased that our players and staff will now have this extra level of support which will help protect them.”
The Munster boss saiud that “Signify’s track record in football and other sports speaks for itself and I’m looking forward to working with them as we, the IRFU, the provinces, and RPI all strive to tackle the serious issue of online abuse.”
IRFU Chief Executive Kevin Potts added that the Union is “delighted to now offer the service of Threat Matrix to our players, coaches, match officials, and any other key participants across the IRFU and the four provinces who feel they might be at risk”.
“The welfare of our team is of the utmost importance to us, and we look forward to working with Signify on this important initiative.”
“While protecting our players online is essential, this new service will also provide them with the tools to navigate the digital world confidently so that they can embrace its opportunities without being held back by the challenges it presents,” concluded Simon Keogh, RPI CEO.
