The Irish Rugby Football Union, together with the four provinces and Rugby Players Ireland, has entered into a three-year partnership with Signify Group to deliver year-round protection against online abuse and threats across the game.
The deal will see Signify’s Threat Matrix service safeguard Men’s, Women’s, Academy, and Provincial players, as well as coaches, match officials, senior administrators, and — in a notable extension — close family members who may also be targeted.
Using a combination of artificial intelligence and human analysis, Threat Matrix monitors major social media platforms for targeted abuse and threats. The system assesses risk, investigates the most serious cases, and provides actionable evidence for sanctions such as ticket bans or, in severe cases, referrals to law enforcement. It will also offer dedicated monitoring of direct messages — a growing source of harassment.
In addition to the technology, Signify will run in-person education and training sessions to help players and officials build awareness and confidence in navigating the digital environment.
The partnership builds on Signify’s established rugby experience, having worked with World Rugby to protect match officials year-round and to safeguard players during the 2023 Men’s Rugby World Cup. The company is also set to deliver similar protection at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
“Rugby is a game built on respect, and abuse of any sort should never be tolerated,” said Kevin Potts, CEO of the IRFU.
“Our colleagues in World Rugby used this service very successfully during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and the Irish match officials who benefited from it spoke very highly of the experience.”
“The welfare of our team is of the utmost importance to us.”
“We are pleased to be working alongside the IRFU and the four provinces on this important initiative,” added Simon Keogh, CEO or Rugby Players Ireland.
“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.”
Jake Marsh, Head of Sport at Signify, praised the IRFU’s commitment to both protection and education:
“We know how sport’s participants are affected on and off the field by online abuse,” said Jake Marsh, Head of Sport at Signify.
“The IRFU’s commitment to year-round protection reflects real leadership in welfare and safeguarding.”
With digital abuse an increasing concern across sport, the partnership reflects a growing trend toward proactive, data-driven strategies to protect athletes, officials, and their wider support networks.
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