Partnership enhances collaboration between rugby data analytics and betting integrity monitoring
Oval, a leading rugby data provider and the only company dedicated exclusively to the sport, has joined the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) as an Associate Member. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration in order to protect the integrity of rugby and regulated betting markets.
Oval brings expertise in data collection, analysis, and machine learning-driven predictions, supporting a wide range of stakeholders, including rights holders, teams, broadcasters, and the betting industry. As an Associate Member, the company will work closely with IBIA and its global network, contributing its specialist expertise to a broader ecosystem focused on monitoring and safeguarding betting integrity.
The addition of Oval further strengthens IBIA’s collaborative model, which brings together operators, regulators, sports bodies, and technology partners to identify and address suspicious betting activity. Through this partnership, IBIA continues to enhance the intelligence base supporting its Global Monitoring & Alert Platform (Global MAP), reinforcing its role in protecting the integrity of sport, including rugby.
James Tozer, Co-Founder of Oval, said: “Joining IBIA as an Associate Member reflects our belief in the value of data and collaboration in building a transparent and well-regulated rugby ecosystem. We look forward to working with IBIA and its members, contributing our expertise in rugby data, analytics, and pricing to support broader integrity efforts across the sector.”
Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, added: “We are pleased to welcome Oval to IBIA. Specialist data from sports such as rugby plays an important role in understanding both sporting and betting environments. By bringing together organisations with complementary expertise, IBIA strengthens its ability to detect and address suspicious betting activity and to protect the integrity of sport.”
IBIA monitors over 1.5 million sporting events annually across more than 80 sports, with operator-provided intelligence playing a key role in supporting sporting, regulatory, and law enforcement investigations. In 2025, cases involving IBIA data included 54 matches confirmed as corrupted, with sanctions imposed on 24 players, teams, and officials across five sports. Most recently, IBIA published its Q1 2026 integrity report.
