Rugby Science Update 24
By Lara Paul
The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of coaches and players regarding coaching effectiveness in South African women’s rugby. Semi structured individual interviews were completed with 28 women’s rugby players and eight coaches who were actively involved in playing and coaching in South Africa. Five themes were generated based on the Coaching Efficacy Dimensions of the conceptual model of coaching efficacy: Motivation, Technique, Game Strategy and Character-building. In the Motivation Efficacy theme, two sub-themes emerged: the motivational climate created by the coach and the motivational climate experienced by the players. Coaches’ behaviour plays a crucial role in fostering team responsibly, providing individual support for players’ needs, and demonstrating patience and passion for the sport. All these elements contribute to a motivational environment that enhances team satisfaction and performance. In the Technique efficacy theme, the sub-theme focused on coaching the physical, technical and tactical aspects of rugby. Coaches’ ability to teach and evaluate technical skills is essential. Players come from a diverse skill background, and different coaching strategies are employed to help players reach an adequate skill level. Junior players also noted that the steep learning curve they face when they first arrive. Under the Game Strategy efficacy theme, the sub-theme centred on guiding the players to successful outcomes. Coaches in this study emphasized the importance of confidence, coaching the fundamental skills for newer players, and managing players’ behaviour to ensure team success. One coach also highlighted the significance of patience when working with women’s players to maintain engagement and understanding. The final theme, Character-building efficacy, included the sub-theme of cultivating a positive environment for holistic development and sportswomenship. Some coaches allow senior players to serve as role models, leading by example and celebrating small victories. Integrating these findings into coaching development frameworks can help ensure supportive and effective environment for women’s rugby players in South Africa.
This study is published in the International Journal of Sport Science and Coaching.
The aim of this study was two-fold: 1) to determine the associations between changes in resistance training volume load and session RPE in female junior rugby league athletes throughout a competitive season, and 2) to identify which types of resistance training demonstrated the greatest associations with reported session RPE. Twenty-one (n =21) junior developmental female rugby league athletes performed two to three resistance training sessions each week for a 20‐week period (8 weeks preseason, 11 weeks in-season and one week off). The resistance training sessions incorporated a combination intended outcomes, such as enhanced power, maximal strength or hypertrophy development. Players provided a verbal rating of perceived exertion using the Borg CR‐10 scale within 20 minutes after the session in isolation. To quantify the external load of the resistance training sessions, the volume load method was utilised (volume load = sets x reps x weight lifted [kg]). The study found significant inverse relationships between a decrease in the session RPE, with increases in both absolute and relative overall volume load. Specifically, dynamic efforts and lower body plyometric efforts displayed significant inverse relationships with session RPE. Additionally, significant positive relationships were observed between an increase in session RPE and increases in the volume load for lower‐body and upper‐body repeated efforts, as well as for upper‐body plyometric efforts and maximal efforts. These findings highlight the usefulness and importance of the volume load method for monitoring and prescribing resistance training in female rugby league athletes, as looking at overall volume load in isolation can provide an inaccurate representation of the training session. Furthermore, it provides useful data for the planning of specific exercises within the in‐season training week.
This study is published in the European Journal of Sport Science – Open Access.
Physical collisions during elite rugby league match play and training: A stakeholder’s perspective
The aim of this study was to gain insights from current key European Super League stakeholders about their experiences and understanding of collision. Nineteen (n = 19) stakeholders participated in one-on-one semi structured interviews. Five themes were derived from the interviews: simultaneous contact in the three-person tackle; tackle height – calibration is critical; the fundamental factors influencing tackle-related risks; the graded exposure and philosophical approaches to contact training and games and replacing toughness with resilience – the impact of game identity. Some stakeholders believed that the simultaneous tackle was the safest and most efficient way to win a tackle. There were contrasting viewpoints regarding tackle height. While some stakeholders felt it should be addressed, others thought that reducing tackle height still presented a significant risk to health and safety. In discussing the role of fatigue in tackle related risks, some stakeholders believed the speed of the match speed and amount of ball-in-play increased the risk of injury due to fatigue. Stakeholders also identified the out-the-back pass as one of the most challenging positions for an attacker, and some believed that certain attacking techniques, potentially overlooked, could help reduce concussions. Lastly, coaches noted that the greater the closing distance, the higher the injury risk. However, they believed that coaches could guide the types and intensities of tackles players make in both training and match play. A few coaches emphasized that additional tackle training sessions could improve timing and coordination when performing tackles and this should not be avoided. The importance of mental preparation for collisions, driven through physical exposure emerged in the final theme. Furthermore, graded exposure to enhance mental preparation for collisions was encouraged. Coaches in this study noted the correlation of mental toughness with successful sports performance, as well as the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms amongst players. These findings may inform coaching and safety programmes in rugby league and could might aid in the development of injury prevention strategies.
This study is published in International Journal of Sport Science and Coaching.
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