Clubland app to bring untold club rugby stories to light
A revolutionary new app could transform data collection and storytelling for club rugby players, and eventually be used across all Australian grassroots sport.
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A revolutionary new app could transform data collection and storytelling for club rugby players, and eventually be used across all Australian grassroots sport.
Clubland is an app designed to record statistics for every player at clubs across Australia, as well as share their journeys through juniors and into grades.
The unique idea has been developed by Lauren Mowen, wife of former Wallabies captain Ben Mowen, who has seen a major gap to fill.
Generations of players have passed through rugby clubs all over Australia, yet their statistics and stories have never been recorded.
“For nearly two decades I’ve followed my partner in his sporting career, from club through to country and now on the sidelines supporting our three children back at club level,” Mowen said.
“On our return home from overseas, after some time away, we were welcomed by our local sporting club and instantly felt connected again. We were reminded of the important role that clubs play in the community. But the story of the club wasn’t always easy to find.
“Resourcing and changing roles at grassroots sports clubs mean the rich stories of the past and new club storytelling isn’t always accessible. Players on the field aren’t always easy to know and when certain club players go onto the world stage, the next generation isn’t always aware of the origin story.”
Along with her brother and business partner Rob Duncan, who specialises in technical engineering, Mowen has developed the app which is already being used by five clubs in Brisbane (Easts Tigers), Canberra (Uni-Norths Owls, Canberra Royals), Illawarra (Shamrocks) and Wagga (Waratahs).
Clubland shows upcoming fixtures, player profiles including match statistics, match reports, leaderboards for try-scoring and point-scoring, as well as coaches’ reports.
“In club sport, there is arguably somewhat of an overreliance on social media as the only way to share club news and updates,” Mowen said.
“Our aim has been to develop a solution that centralises club communications into club websites as a way to welcome a broader community and keep players and supporters more closely connected to their club, wherever in the world they are.”
The app has been lauded by those using it.
“Clubland has truly transformed the Uni-Norths Owls Rugby Club by streamlining all our needs through a user-friendly website and mobile app,” said Meilani Salale, a Premier Women’s Player for the Owls.
“From comprehensive game stats and club history to effortless ticketing and event management, everything is now conveniently accessible in one place. This has made it easier for players, coaches, and supporters to stay informed and connected.
“The integration with social media has significantly boosted our online presence, allowing us to engage with our supporters whether they are local or keeping track around the world.
“Clubland’s centralised hub ensures that everyone is up-to-date with the latest news, match highlights, and important announcements.
“This streamlined process not only enhances efficiency but also fosters a stronger club culture by bringing everyone closer together. It’s an invaluable asset that has elevated our club’s overall experience.”
Owls club captain and men’s first grade player, Jordan Thompson, added: “Clubland helps foster a sense of community by providing a platform to share club news and stay connected. This feature helps to build camaraderie and team spirit.
“The digital clubhouse for our club rugby team is an excellent resource for players, coaches, and fans alike. The site offers a comprehensive breakdown of player statistics, making it easy to track performance and progress throughout the season.”
Geoff O’Hare, club president of Wagga Waratahs, said: “With 65 years of history and having produced multiple international and state rugby players, we know the importance of building strong pathways for our next generation.
“Bringing Clubland into the Wagga Waratahs Rugby Club ensures our rich heritage continues to inspire, while giving our players, supporters, local juniors and their families a modern way to stay connected with the Wagga Waratahs community.
“In regional areas like ours, where families might drive an hour or more for training and games, having a digital hub that brings the club to them is invaluable. It means distance is no longer a barrier to being an active part of the Tahs family.”
Mowen is passionate about telling grassroots stories.
“For us, the definition of a digital clubhouse should bring to life the culture and legacy and day-to-day club life through storytelling, fixtures, results and player cards,” she said.
“To do so in a way that is dynamic and sustainable, we’ve built systems and processes to automate this work so that we can also give time back to club personnel.
“We also believe in the immense opportunity to improve player pathways through improving digital technologies and making better use of data available in grassroots sport.”
Originally published as Clubland app to bring untold club rugby stories to light
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