WRU: Using SWAPP Lite to Bring Rugby Back To Wales

Live Welsh sport is slowly creeping back onto our screens. But even with games being played behind closed doors, there’s still a huge responsibility to keep teams, staff, contractors, and broadcasters safe.

With people travelling from all over the country to make tournaments like the Six Nations and the Autumn Cup possible, the WRU’s focus is to deliver the best possible event with the safest possible working environment.

That’s why they came to us.

Brief.

The WRU were looking for an app that would safely control access to the home stadiums. It also needed to track and trace everyone signing in and out of each game.

They’d seen a system being used by football club Tottenham Hotspur, but they knew it could be made better.

#ThinkPurple Solution.

On Friday 16th October 2020, we presented our SWAPP app to the WRU. They loved our unique concept but needed something that could be taken on the road. It would also have to withstand the wider challenges of the upcoming rugby internationals.

The solution?

SWAPP Lite. It’s a unique app that we developed to meet the strict safety guidelines of both the WRU and the Welsh Government.

How?

Well, SWAPP Lite allows the WRU to track and trace at home games. The app also has an added permit module that allows teams, staff, broadcasters, and contractors to register in advance – and confirm that they’re safe to attend each event.

By Monday 19th October we’d agreed the user journeys and visuals. But this entire new system had to be good to go that Friday.

Meaning?

Coffee. Lots of coffee.

With such a tight turnaround, there was no room for error – and we had to get it right first time. Nothing could get in our way – not even a fire that broke out in our Lead Developer Claudia’s building.

Really?

Yes, Really.

But, ever the professional, Claudia calmly took her laptop outside and continued to work out in the street until 10pm that night. Yes, that’s the level of commitment we have here at Vindico, and YES, we’re so lucky to have her.

That Friday, we delivered the bespoke SWAPP Lite to the WRU – and they loved it!

SWAPP Lite went live that weekend to broadcasters, press and contractors. It was also used to help keep everyone safe at over 20 of the WRU’s events and match days over the following six weeks.

Following its success at the Autumn Internationals, the WRU are also using SWAPP Lite to keep their teams and staff safe during this year’s Six Nations home games.

“It’s brilliant to continue our work with the WRU and build on what we delivered for the Autumn Internationals at Parc y Scarlets,” Says Vindico MD, Jo Polson.

“Even with games being played behind closed doors, there is still a huge responsibility to keep teams, staff, contractors, and broadcasters safe.

“Bringing SWAPP Lite to the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Arms Park through the WRU means we yet again get to help sport take place safely in Wales.

“There is definitely more to come from SWAPP in the coming months. We have created a really simple tool with huge scope that can just as easily be used to help our kids get back to school – something I know my Wife would like very much!”