As we step into 2024, it is time to put an approximate roadmap in place for the data in RugbyBot. Keeping up to date with the pulse of rugby across the globe, from the World Cup to the Lions Series, has always been our backbone. However, the ultimate goal of assembling this data is to do some proper data science.
A simple example of that is calculating the average Rugby World Cup score.
Presently, the goal is the continuation of the Match Threads on reddit, while building out features for the community and backfilling data as quickly as possible.
Currently we keep up to date with the following competitions:
- World Cup
- Rugby Championship
- Six Nations
- Super Rugby
- WXV
- Sevens
- Bunnings NPC
- Lions Series
Eventually I want to extend to all competitions around the world. But for now, as a one man operation, I am more limited.
Aspects
Currently, I use the following data points to consider a fixture “completed”, and available on the site.
- Teams
- Venue
- Series
- Rounds (including Knockouts)
- Scores
- Referees
- Lineups (although flexible about this)
In order to have this data available, I will need to go back and add it in (as automated as possible of course).
Goals
The goals for 2024, in some sort of order, are as follows.
- All Rugby World Cup Matches
- The Rugby Championship (Back to the Tri Nations)
- British and Irish Lions
- Super Rugby
- Six Nations/Five Nations
- Women’s Matches
Since some data is difficult to find, all aspects above may not be necessarily filled in. But, it should give a good outline of matches.
Dataframes
Something I have always wanted to do is release this information as an easy dataframe for analysis for other people. If people want to scrape this data, it’s probably possible and not worth my effort to defeat. So, to get out in front of it by just giving the data away might be a good idea. I will cover this more when the World Cup data is completed.
This journey we’re embarking on is no small feat. It is a commitment to enriching the rugby community with data that informs, engages, and inspires. 2024 should be a good year, however.