School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health

The School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health takes immense pride in celebrating the achievements of its graduates, and Matthew Hamilton, a recent Sport & Exercise Science alumnus, is no exception. Matthew, who also completed his MSc (Res) at the University of Glasgow in collaboration with Glasgow Warriors, has already carved out an impressive career in sports science and analytics, underpinned by his academic development, research and applied work in rugby.

During his MSc, Matthew developed the innovative 'Glasgow Rugby Intermittent Test (GRIT),' a fitness test tailored to the specific demands of rugby, based on GPS-derived match demands.  A former Cathcart Scholar at the University of Glasgow, Matthew also had the unique opportunity to work with North Harbour Rugby in New Zealand for three months. This invaluable experience further honed his expertise and enriched his understanding of global rugby performance standards. Reflecting on his journey, Matthew credits his undergraduate degree, applied experience in his postgraduate MSc and Cathcart Scholarship for equipping him with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the demanding world of elite sports science.

Today, Matthew is thriving in his dual role as Sports Scientist with Ireland Rugby and as Insights Lead at STATSports Ltd, a global leader in sports analytics technology. His work with Ireland Rugby has seen him play a pivotal role in their two triumphant previous Six Nations campaigns, the Rugby World Cup, and the current Six Nations tournament. Central to his day-to-day responsibilities is the effective use of GPS technology—the devices you’ll see as a bulge on the back of players’ shirts—which provide critical insights into player performance and match demands. His insights inform player preparation, competition performance and injury rehabilitation processes for Ireland rugby. Matthew’s contributions in this high-performance environment are vital to ensuring the squad operates at a world-class level.

When he’s not immersed in the high-pressure environment of training camps or competitions, Matthew continues to give back to the University of Glasgow community. As he continues to contribute to Ireland Rugby’s success, he also supports our aspiring sports scientists. Through his role at STATSports, he actively supports the next generation of sports scientists by contributing to the undergraduate program, supporting internship opportunities. His efforts are helping students develop critical GPS and analytical skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for careers in sports performance analysis.

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First published: 11 April 2025