Match-play profile of elite rugby union, with special reference to repeated high-intensity effort activity (RHIE)

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Sheehan ◽  
Shane Malone ◽  
Aled Walters ◽  
Tim Gabbett ◽  
Kieran Collins
Keyword(s):  
Special Reference ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Match Play

scholarly journals The Use of Global Positioning and Accelerometer Systems in Age-Grade and Senior Rugby Union: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee A. Bridgeman ◽  
Nicholas D. Gill
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Training Load ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Positioning Systems ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
And Training

Abstract Background Global positioning systems (GPS) imbedded with accelerometer systems (AS) are used in rugby union (RU) to collect information on absolute and relative distances, distances in different speed zones, high-speed running (HSR) distances, repeated high-intensity efforts (RHIE) and collisions and impacts. This information can be used to monitor match play which can then be used to plan training sessions. The objective of this review was to conduct a systematic review of studies which have reported the use of GPS and AS. Methods A systematic review of the use of GPS and AS in both age-grade and senior rugby was conducted. The authors systematically searched electronic databases from January 2010 until March 2020. Keywords included rugby union, GPS, global position* and microtechnology. Results A total of 51 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. There was a total of 34 studies utilising GPS and AS in senior RU players (mean ± SD; age 26.2 ± 1.9 years; height 185.7 ± 2.6 cm; mass 101.3 ± 4.2 kg) and 17 studies in age-grade RU players (mean ± SD; age 17.6 ± 1.5 years; height 182.1 ± 3.3 cm; mass 87.1 ± 8.6 kg). The results of this review highlighted that there are differences between backs and forwards and within these positions in these groups during both match play and training sessions. The backs covered greater total absolute, relative and HSR distance compared to forwards. Forwards are involved in more collisions and impacts than backs. When investigating the most intense periods of match play, studies in this review highlighted that the demands during these periods outweigh the average demands of the game. It was proposed that a rolling average over different time epochs is the best way to assess this and ensure that the most intense periods of play are assessed and monitored. Conclusions The information highlighted in this review can be used to help coaches assess performances in match play, allow them to plan appropriate training sessions and monitor training load.

High-intensity Activity in European vs. National Rugby Union Games in the best 2014–2015 Team

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charly Fornasier-Santos ◽  
Gregoire P Millet ◽  
Paul Stridgeon ◽  
Olivier Girard ◽  
Franck Brocherie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Global Positioning System ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Positioning System ◽  
Competition Level ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
Running Pattern

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of competition level on running patterns for five playing position in the most successful 2014–2015 European rugby union team. Seventeen French rugby union championship and seven European rugby Champions Cup games were analysed. Global positioning system (sampling: 10 Hz) were used to determine high-speed movements, high-intensity accelerations, repeated high-intensity efforts and high-intensity micro-movements characteristics for five positional groups. During European Champions Cup games, front row forwards performed a higher number of repeated high-intensity efforts compared to National championship games (5.8±1.6 vs. 3.6±2.3; +61.1%), and back row forwards travelled greater distance both at high-speed movements (3.4±1.8 vs. 2.4±0.9 m·min-1; +41.7%) and after high-intensity accelerations (78.2±14.0 vs. 68.1 ±13.4 m; +14.8%). In backs, scrum halves carried out more high-intensity accelerations (24.7±3.1 vs. 14.8±5.0; +66.3%) whereas outside backs completed a higher number of high-speed movements (62.7±25.4 vs. 48.3±17.0; +29.8%) and repeated high-intensity efforts (13.5±4.6 vs. 9.7±4.9;  +39.2%). These results highlighted that the competition level affected the high-intensity activity differently among the five playing positions. Consequently, training programs in elite rugby should be tailored taking into account both the level of competition and the high-intensity running pattern of each playing position.

Attitude and behaviour of junior rugby union players towards tackling during training and match play

2012 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 266-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharief Hendricks ◽  
Esme Jordaan ◽  
Michael Lambert
Keyword(s):  
Rugby Union ◽  
Match Play

5 Examination of the relationship between changes in workload and changes in loaded countermovement jump during a rugby union season

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (16) ◽  
pp. 941.3-942
Author(s):  
Rob Strong ◽  
Daniel West ◽  
Joe Kupsarevic
Keyword(s):  
Peak Power ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Time To Peak ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Flight Season ◽  
Acute Changes ◽  
The Relationship

BackgroundThe loaded countermovement jump (CMJ) is a variation on the normal CMJ (bodyweight-only), used routinely in sport settings as a measure of neuromuscular fatigue (NMF). Although commonplace, the CMJ variables that are most sensitive to NMF remain somewhat unclear.PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between changes in workload and changes in the loaded CMJ; specifically, to determine its suitability for assessment of NMF.MethodsEighteen professional rugby union players performed loaded CMJ tests on seven occasions over the course of thirteen weeks, during an English top-flight season. Eight CMJ variables were measured, assessing different aspects of the CMJ. Workload was measured by GPS total distance and was the sum of the previous week’s data, recorded in on-field training and match-play. Spearman’s rank-order correlations were calculated to identify the relationship between changes in workload and changes in loaded CMJ variables.ResultsNo significant relationships were found between loaded CMJ variables and workload with no lag or workload lagged one week. Significant relationships were found between workload lagged 2 weeks and flight time/contact time (FT-CT; rs=-0.35; p=0.04) and time to peak power (TtPP; rs=0.35; p=0.05).ConclusionThis study suggests loaded CMJ is not a suitable test to monitor acute changes to NMF. However, results also indicate that FT-CT and TtPP, are associated with changes in workload lagged 2-weeks. Therefore, certain CMJ variables may prove useful to help prescribe alterations to athlete training plans following periods of heavy workload.

A Framework for the Physical Development of Elite Rugby Union Players

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grant M. Duthie
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Physical Development ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Performance Models ◽  
Elite Player ◽  
Physical Preparation

Increased professionalism in rugby has resulted in national unions developing high-performance models for elite player development, of which physical preparation is an important component, to ensure success in future years. This article presents a 5-step framework for the physical preparation of elite players in a development program. Competition movement patterns and the physical profiles of elite players are used as the basis of the framework and reinforce the repeated high-intensity nature of Rugby Union. Physical profiling highlights a player’s strengths and weaknesses in the areas of strength, speed, endurance, and body composition. These qualities need to be managed with an understanding of their interaction. This framework should be implemented within the yearly plan to ensure that benefits are maximized from the training undertaken. The success of the framework in developing elite players’ progression can be evaluated using standardized physical, performance, and competency tests.

scholarly journals Accelerations and high intensity running in field and assistant football referees during match play

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 280-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amund Riiser ◽  
Svein Arne Pettersen ◽  
Vidar Andersen ◽  
Atle Hole Saeterbakken ◽  
Christian Froyd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Match Play

scholarly journals The Physical Characteristics of Specific Phases of Play During Rugby Union Match Play

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1331-1336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale B. Read ◽  
Ben Jones ◽  
Sean Williams ◽  
Padraic J. Phibbs ◽  
Josh D. Darrall-Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rugby Union ◽  
Physical Characteristics ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Relative Distance ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects Model ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects ◽  
Video Footage ◽  
Dependent Variables ◽  
Attack And Defense

Purpose: To quantify the frequencies and timings of rugby union match-play phases (ie, attacking, defending, ball in play [BIP], and ball out of play [BOP]) and then compare the physical characteristics of attacking, defending, and BOP between forwards and backs. Methods: Data were analyzed from 59 male rugby union academy players (259 observations). Each player wore a microtechnology device (OptimEye S5; Catapult, Melbourne, Australia) with video footage analyzed for phase timings and frequencies. Dependent variables were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model and assessed with magnitude-based inferences and Cohen d effect sizes (ES). Results: Attack, defense, BIP, and BOP times were 12.7 (3.1), 14.7 (2.5), 27.4 (2.9), and 47.4 (4.1) min, respectively. Mean attack (26 [17] s), defense (26 [18] s), and BIP (33 [24] s) phases were shorter than BOP phases (59 [33] s). The relative distance in attacking phases was similar (112.2 [48.4] vs 114.6 [52.3] m·min−1, ES = 0.00 ± 0.23) between forwards and backs but greater in forwards (114.5 [52.7] vs 109.0 [54.8] m·min−1, ES = 0.32 ± 0.23) during defense and greater in backs during BOP (ES = −0.66 ± 0.23). Conclusions: Total time in attack, defense, and therefore BIP was less than BOP. Relative distance was greater in forwards during defense, whereas it was greater in backs during BOP and similar between positions during attack. Players should be exposed to training intensities from in-play phases (ie, attack and defense) rather than whole-match data and practice technical skills during these intensities.

Increased Blood pH but Not Performance With Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation in Elite Rugby Union Players

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonya L. Cameron ◽  
Rebecca T. McLay-Cooke ◽  
Rachel C. Brown ◽  
Andrew R. Gray ◽  
Kirsty A. Fairbairn
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Bicarbonate ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Placebo Condition ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
Blood Ph ◽  
Gi Symptoms ◽  
Improve Exercise Performance ◽  
Rugby Players

Purpose:This study investigated the effect of ingesting 0.3 g/kg body weight (BW) of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on physiological responses, gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability, and sprint performance in elite rugby union players.Methods:Twenty-five male rugby players, age 21.6 (2.6) yr, participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Sixty-five minutes after consuming 0.3 g/kg BW of either NaHCO3 or placebo, participants completed a 25-min warm-up followed by 9 min of high-intensity rugby-specific training followed by a rugby-specific repeated-sprint test (RSRST). Whole-blood samples were collected to determine lactate and bicarbonate concentrations and pH at baseline, after supplement ingestion, and immediately after the RSRST. Acute GI discomfort was assessed by questionnaire throughout the trials, and chronic GI discomfort was assessed during the 24 hr postingestion.Results:After supplement ingestion and immediately after the RSRST, blood HCO3 − concentration and pH were higher for the NaHCO3 condition than for the placebo condition (p < .001). After the RSRST, blood lactate concentrations were significantly higher for the NaHCO3 than for the placebo condition (p < .001). There was no difference in performance on the RSRST between the 2 conditions. The incidence of belching, stomachache, diarrhea, stomach bloating, and nausea was higher after ingestion of NaHCO3 than with placebo (all p < .050). The severity of stomach cramps, belching, stomachache, bowel urgency, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach bloating, and flatulence was rated worse after ingestion of NaHCO3 than with placebo (p < .050).Conclusions:NaHCO3 supplementation increased blood HCO3 − concentration and attenuated the decline in blood pH compared with placebo during high-intensity exercise in well-trained rugby players but did not significantly improve exercise performance. The higher incidence and greater severity of GI symptoms after ingestion of NaHCO3 may negatively affect physical performance, and the authors strongly recommend testing this supplement during training before use in competitive situations.

scholarly journals Activity Profiles by Position in Youth Elite Soccer Players in Official Matches

2019 ◽  
Vol 03 (01) ◽  
pp. E19-E24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svein Arne Pettersen ◽  
Tormod Brenn
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
External Load ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Maximum Speed ◽  
Peak Period ◽  
Significant Drop ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Youth Soccer

AbstractIn order to investigate activity profiles and external load patterns in elite youth soccer players, we studied high-intensity activity patterns, maximum running speed, and temporary and end-of-match decline in external load in 54 U17 players (96 match observations) over a full season of official match play.Wide midfielders covered most high-intensity running (HIR) distance (1044.2 m), most sprinting distance (224.4 m), and the highest number of accelerations (185.2); center defenders had the lowest values for these activities (508.3 m, 85.1 m, and 119.0), respectively. Wide midfielders had the highest and center defenders had the lowest maximum speed (30.3 km · h − 1 and 28.6 km · h − 1), respectively. During the matches, players in all playing positions displayed a significant drop in HIR distance, sprinting distance, and number of accelerations. This was especially pronounced in the 5 min following the 5-min peak period and in the last 5-min period for sprinting distance.There are substantial differences in activity profiles by positions, but all players show temporary and end-of-match drop in external load. The variation in activity profiles by playing position in this study may aid in the design of training programs. The considerable end-of-match drop in external load observed raises the question of the favorability of 90 min match times for U17 players.

Trends in match injury risk in professional male rugby union: a 16-season review of 10 851 match injuries in the English Premiership (2002–2019): the Professional Rugby Injury Surveillance Project

2020 ◽  
pp. bjsports-2020-102529
Author(s):  
Stephen W West ◽  
Lindsay Starling ◽  
Simon Kemp ◽  
Sean Williams ◽  
Matthew Cross ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Injury Risk ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Injury Surveillance ◽  
Injury Incidence ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Common Activity ◽  
Long Term Trends ◽  
The Mean

ObjectivesThe Professional Rugby Injury Surveillance Project is the largest and longest running rugby union injury surveillance project globally and focuses on the highest level of rugby in England.MethodsWe examined match injuries in professional men’s rugby over the period 2002/2003 to 2018/2019 and described trends in injuries over this time.ResultsOver the period 2002/2003–2018/2019, 10 851 injuries occurred in 1 24 952 hours of match play, equating to a mean of 57 injuries per club per season and one injury per team per match. The mean incidence, severity (days absence) and burden (days absence/1000 hours) of injury were 87/1000 hours (95% CI 82 to 92), 25 days (95% CI 22 to 28) and 2178 days/1000 hours (95% CI 1872 to 2484), respectively. The tackle accounted for 43% injuries with running the second most common activity during injury (12%). The most common injury location was the head/face with an incidence of 11.3/1000 hours, while the location with the highest overall burden was the knee (11.1 days/1000 hours). Long-term trends demonstrated stable injury incidence and proportion of injured players, but an increase in the mean and median severity of injuries. Concussion incidence, severity and burden increased from the 2009/2010 season onwards and from 2011 to 2019 concussion was the most common injury.ConclusionThe rise in overall injury severity and concussion incidence are the most significant findings from this work and demonstrate the need for continued efforts to reduce concussion risk as well as a greater understanding of changes in injury severity over time.

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