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From Leinster to Silicon Valley: Stephen Smith leading the way with data after finding his feet under Michael Cheika

The Irish Independent profiles Kitman Labs Founder & CEO, Stephen Smith, tracing his journey from Leinster Rugby physio to leading a Silicon Valley-based company transforming high-performance sport.

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In an in-depth feature, journalist Cian Tracey charts Smith’s evolution—from working under Michael Cheika at Leinster to founding Kitman Labs and growing it into a global powerhouse in data and analytics for sport. The piece explores the early influences that shaped Smith’s philosophy on injury prevention and performance and how those lessons now power some of the world’s top teams and leagues.

Smith reflects on Kitman Labs’ rapid expansion across the U.S. and Europe, the role of iP: Intelligence Platform in unifying medical, performance, and talent development data, and why human connection remains at the heart of every technological advance.

Read the full feature in the Irish Independent or view the full-page feature below.

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  • Intelligence Platform
  • Performance Intelligence
  • Sports Analytics
  • Sports Data Analytics

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