Category: Player and Coach Development
Rugby Science Update 25
By Lara Paul
The aim of this study is to report the imaging findings of school-level players in low to middle income countries who presented to public or private radiology centre for imaging after sustaining traumatic rugby-related head injuries. The study further aims to examine: (1) the prevalence of concussion based on available clinical history; (2) the imaging correlation in players diagnosed with concussion and the diagnostic utility of CT in the context of concussion; and (3) differences in imaging findings between the public and private sectors. Data were collected from school-aged players (6-18 years) over a 10-year period, from 2014 to 2023, in the Western Cape region in South Africa. Imaging of rugby-related head injuries were obtained from Tygerberg Hospital, a public multi-centre facility, and from SCP Radiology, representing the private sector. Sports-related concussion (SRC) diagnoses were recorded only when signs or symptoms were included in the clinical history provided in the imaging request by the referring clinician and met the criteria based on the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6. A total of 369 school-level participants referred for imaging of rugby-related head injuries were included in this study. Participants in the public sector were over eight times more likely to have an SRC. This finding highlights disparities in healthcare access and injury reporting between the private and public sectors. Non-contrasted CT was the primary imaging modality used (94%). Eighty-six percent of scans showed no acute injury. Among abnormal studies, the most frequent findings were craniofacial fractures and brain injuries, including cerebral haemorrhage, contusions and oedema. SRC were prevalent in 78% of cases. Another noteworthy finding is that CT demonstrated low sensitivity for diagnosing concussion.
This study is published in Sports Medicine.
The purpose of this study was to compare three workload models and examine their relationships to match-specific and player specific characteristics in women’s rugby sevens. Twenty-two elite female rugby sevens players participated in the study. A total of 103 matches were analysed, incorporating GNSS-derived data, body mass measurements, self-reported RPE (rating of perceived exertion) and various match characteristics. The speed-deceleration-contact (SDC) model was used to generate predicted workload values, expressed in arbitrary units (AU). On average, players participated for 11.8 ± 4.53 minutes per match, experienced an RPE of 7 ± 1.9 AU, and had a calculated sRPE (session RPE) of 79.6 ± 45.59 AU, with 56.25 ± 21.40 kJ of mechanical work per match played. Player experience and match category significantly influenced all three workload measures (sRPE, mechanical work, and SDC model). Additionally, the opponent was significantly associated with both sRPE and the SDC model, while match outcome was associated with only sRPE. All three workload measures are valuable and are viable workload monitoring tools. However, they respond differently to contextual and experiential factors. Notably, sRPE and the SDC model appear more sensitive to key match characteristics compared to mechanical work.
This study is published in Applied Sciences.
Sleep architecture is altered with travel and matches in professional rugby union players
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of home versus away match fixtures on sleep quantity, quality, and architecture in professional male rugby union players. Twenty (n = 20) professional male rugby union players participated during the first two rounds of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, across two conditions: HOME and AWAY match fixtures. Sleep was assessed over three nights for each condition: the two nights preceding the match, the night of the match, and the second night following matchday. Two matches were separated by eight days, with the HOME fixture occurring first. Players wore a wireless home-based polysomnography PSG device on designated sleep assessment nights. Sleep was categorised into three groups: Sleep quantity, sleep quality and sleep architecture. Match day sleep duration was shorter than on the two preceding nights. Sleep efficiency was not affected by day or condition. Significant differences were observed in the proportion of time spent in light sleep (between conditions), deep sleep (across days), and REM sleep (by both day and condition). During AWAY fixtures, players experienced reduced light sleep and increased deep sleep, along with greater difficulty falling asleep. Regardless of match location, sleep duration was significantly reduced on the night of the match. Post-match sleep was characterized by reductions in light and REM sleep, and an increase in deep sleep. Overall, players exhibited lower proportions of REM sleep and higher proportions of deep sleep after matches compared to two nights preceding match day. These findings emphasise the importance of facilitating adequate sleep opportunities following travel and competition for professional rugby players.
This study is published in the Journal of Sport Science.
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.
Rugby Science Update 22
By Lara Paul
“Women shouldn’t play rugby” – the gendered and embodied experiences of women players in rugby union
The aim of this study to understand the attitudes, experiences and behaviours of women rugby players concerning tackle performance and safety. In depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-one senior women rugby players. A constructivist grounded theory approach guided the recruitment of participants, data collection and data analysis. The results were divided into two categories: 1) The position of women’s rugby and 2) how women shape the field of rugby. Participants discussed how their bodies felt ‘out of place’ within the rugby community due to their personal experiences and restrictive gender norms. This included deeply embedded gender norms within social and organisational structures, playing conditions and societal perceptions of women’s rugby, which limited their opportunities to safely participate and thrive in the sport. Despite these challenges, players did not change themselves to fit in, rather, they embraced the diversity of women’s embodiment and capabilities. They continued to participate in this sport, actively re-shaping the future of women’s rugby. The authors mentioned that participants expressed optimism about the future public profile of women’s rugby, and this positive attitude could serve as a catalyst for changing attitudes and increasing support. The authors recommend that researchers continue to build on this research by investigating the why and how certain knowledges and practices become normative, as well as when and why they may be resisted.
This study is published in the Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health.
The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to describe the incidence, severity and burden of knee injuries over 20 English Premiership rugby seasons in matches and training, and (2) to assess changes in injury rates over time and compare these rates across different playing surfaces and between types of playing events. Data on injuries and match and training exposure were collected from first team male rugby players of Premiership Rugby Clubs from 2002/2003 season to the 2022/2023 season. All injury definitions were aligned with the 2020 IOC injury consensus document. Over the 20 seasons, a total of 2128 knee injuries reported, with 71% occurring during matches and 29% during training. Annually, knee injuries accounted for an average of 11.6% of all match injuries and 9.5% of all training injuries. The mean knee severity in matches was 50 days, with an injury incidence of 9.8 injuries per 1000 player hours. MCL injuries were the most common during matches; however, ACL injuries had the highest severity (241 days) and injury burden (112 days per 1000 hours). In training, the mean severity of knee injuries were 51 days, and the injury incidence was 0.2 injuries per 1000 player hours. MCL, chondral/meniscal, and ‘other’ knee injuries were the most common in training, though ACL injuries had the highest severity (243 days). While the overall knee injury count did not change over time, counts of PCL and complex knee injuries have significantly increased. Average knee injury severity also showed a significant increase over time. Knee injury rates during matches were 44% higher on artificial grass pitches than on natural grass surfaces. The tackle event was the leading cause of knee injuries in matches, with ball carrier at a higher risk than tacklers. For ACL injuries, running accounted for 33% of cases, followed by the tackle event with 31%. Given the evolving nature of the game, prioritising knee injury prevention strategies is recommended.
This study is published in British Journal of Sports Medicine.
This study aims to examine performance across the menstrual cycle and compare athletes using hormonal contraption with those having a “natural” cycle. Twenty-four national Australian National Rugby League’s Indigenous Women’s Academy athletes participated in this study while attending a 5 week training camp. The players were divided into two groups: those using hormonal contraception and those reporting naturally menstrual cycles. After two familiarization sessions, participants completed performance tests on three separate occasions, aligned with each participant’s individualized menstrual (MC) or hormonal contraceptive cycle. Menstrual status was tracked for all athletes by recording the onset of bleeding, conducting 11 weeks of MC or hormonal contraceptive tracking, using dual hormone urinary ovulation kits, and analysing retrospective serum 17‐β‐estradiol and progesterone concentration. Performance tests were administered at MC phase one, two and four for natural menstruating athletes and three equally spaced out intervals for athletes using hormonal contraceptive athletes. Blood samples were collected from each athlete before each performance testing session. Performance tests included the countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and isometric mid‐thigh pull, conducted on a dual force plate system, followed by the power pass, 20m sprint and the Stroop Colour and Word Test. No differences or changes were observed in CMJ, SJ, and isometric mid‐thigh pull force, power pass distance, 20m sprint times or Stroop effect across MC phases, test sessions, or between groups. However, small variations in kinetic and kinematic outputs were noted in the CMJ and SJ: a 16.8% greater mean concentric power were observed in the CMJ, and a 4.7% reduction in impulse at 50 ms in the SJ during MC phase four compared to MC phase one. This study suggests that while the menstrual cycle or hormonal contraceptive use does not significantly impact physical and cognitive performance outcomes, certain kinetic or kinematic outputs during the CMJ and SJ may experience minor alterations.
This study is published in European Journal of Sport Science – Open Access.
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