O2 releases VR rugby experience

Ever wanted to square off against some of the best athletes in professional rugby? Thanks to virtual reality, now you can.

O2 has unveiled a series of virtual reality (VR) experiences that let users go head to head with the England rugby team. The experience will be available in 90 O2 stores nationwide and at Twickenham stadium on matchdays.

Besides taking to the pitch with virtual athletes, those who take part in the VR experience will get to view an O2 Academy, as well as watch over the team’s training.

“We really enjoyed working in partnership with O2 to develop this unique virtual reality experience,” said Paul Gustard, defence coach at England Rugby. “It’s the only game out there that has had input from England Rugby to create a great experience for fans. I hope the experience gives rugby fans and novices alike an insight in to the way we train and the amount of hard work that is involved in being an International rugby player.”

The experiences feature real-life 360 degree video content as well as interactive CGI characters. It will be compatible with VR devices like the Samsung Gear VR Oculus Rift and the HTC Vibe. The VR program uses Xsense motion capture to bring in-game player movement, thanks to England Rugby players like George Ford, Ben Youngs and Henry Slade being motioned capped for the experience.

VR users then get to take part in drills ranging from tackling to kicking to scrummaging in order to make the team and wear the rose. This sounds like a dream scenario for rugby fans, and props have to be given to O2 and the England rugby team for bringing people as close as possible to the club.

Check out the video below for a sample of what the experience will be like.

O2 Inside Line, Virtual Reality

Want to go head to head against the England team? ????Now you can: http://bit.ly/2m0nIzU

Posted by England Rugby on Wednesday, 15 March 2017

 

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Nick Frazier
Nick Frazier 17 posts

Nick is an intern for Snack Media and a contributor to Digital Sport. You can follow him on Twitter @nikfraz14.

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