Category: Strength and Conditioning
Rugby Science Update 26
The purpose of this study was to describe tackle and ruck frequencies across an entire World Sevens Series and specifically compare competition stages (pool vs. knockout stages) and match periods(1st half vs. 2nd half). A secondary aim was to identify tackle determinants associated with tackle performance.
Rugby Sevens is an Olympic sport that has grown rapidly worldwide, both in terms of participation and commercialisation. Understanding the tackle and ruck demands within and between the competition stages may help coaches better prepare for the technical and tactical demands of each stage—both in training and during the transition period between the pool and knockout stages. In addition, understanding which determinants increase the likelihood of tackle and ruck success is needed to develop effective training programmes
Video analysis of all matches during the 2018/2019 International Men’s Rugby Sevens World Series was conducted (n = 449 matches). This equated to 21226 tackle contact events and 6345 rucks events. Each tackle event was further coded for tackle descriptors (type of tackle, direction of contact and point of body contact) and tackle outcomes (successful and unsuccessful).
The study tackle frequencies per match remained consistent across the series and between the different competition stages and match halves. Ruck frequencies on the other hand decreased from the first tournament to latter parts of the series, and fewer rucks were observed in the knockout stage of the tournaments.
Based on these findings, contesting fewer rucks after a tackle may be a tactical consideration from a defensive perspective. With that said, which rucks to contest or not may also play a role, therefore coaches should emphasise better post-tackle decision-making.
In both the pool and knockout stages, the most frequently occurring type of tackle was the arm tackle. In the pool stages, the arm and jersey tackle were also associated with a higher likelihood of tackle success compared to other tackle types. The frequency and higher likelihood of tackle success for arm tackles in Sevens highlights a unique demand of Sevens, which strengthens the argument for Sevens specific tackle training and coaching.
The consistency in tackle characteristics between competition stages and between match halves provides further insights into the unique tackle demands of Sevens, with players requiring robustness to repeatedly perform a range of tackles.
The findings of this study highlight the unique technical-tactical tackle and ruck demands of Sevens, which strengthens the argument for Sevens specific tackle and ruck training and coaching.
This study is published in the European Journal of Sport Science and is Open Access.
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of contextual factors on the match-play movement demands of both international and domestic women’s rugby sevens players. Quantifying these demands in an elite dual-level tournament across multiple teams, positions, match types, and over two seasons, will help bridge the gap between international and domestic players and better inform talent identification, training prescription, load monitoring, and match preparation processes.
The study used an observational, longitudinal study design to characterise match-play movement demands in international (n = 23) and domestic (n = 42) players across two seasons and nine series of an elite domestic women’s dual-level rugby sevens tournament. In total, across the 65 players, 1461 matches were analysed. Match-play movement demands were assessed through distance, speed, and acceleration metrics. Contextual factors were grouped into four themes: Player, Match, Tournament, and Environment.
Brosnan and colleagues identified that higher intensity match-play movement demands were associated with day 1 of the tournament, the first half, winning and/or drawing the match, closer score lines, playing a top-5 ranked team, playing against opponents closer in the standings, starting the match, playing as a back or speed edge, being an international player, playing in warmer climates, and playing later in the day.
This study highlights how contextual factors can affect match-play movement demands in women’s rugby sevens. Coaches and performance staff can use these results to tailor training, optimise tactical decisions, and manage player workloads. For example, coaches and performance staff can prepare for faster games played in warmer weather conditions, played later in the day, during first halves, on day 1 of tournaments, played with or against more international level players, for backs and speed edge positions, when starting a game, when playing in a top 5 team, when playing against teams close in the standings, and when playing in a game with a close result. Coaches and performance staff members can also use this information in assisting the monitoring of player loads, individual recovery, and developing more holistic return to play protocols.
This study is published in PLOS One and is Open Access.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two different priming activities involving an exercise commonly used in professional training settings (the jump squat), performed at two distinct loading conditions (40% vs. 80% 1RM) on a series of speed-and power-related capabilities of Olympic female rugby sevens players, assessed at 6 and 24 hours after completing the priming sessions.
“Priming” are training strategies prescribed by practitioners to top-level athletes prior to competition with the intention of enhancing performance.
In a randomised cross-over set one-week apart, twenty Olympic female rugby sevens players performed a jump squat at either 40% or 80% of half-squat 1RM as the priming exercise. Speed-power performance measurements including counter movement jump, sprint speed at 10- and 40-m, 505 change of direction (COD) speed test, and peak velocity (PV) during the jump squat were measurement before the priming, 6 hours after, and 24 hours after.
The study found that heavier loads do not present any advantage over lighter loads for speed- and power-related qualities after 6-h and 24-h. When applied correctly, for example, using light-loads and low sets of ballistics lifts such as jump squats), priming may improve vertical jumping and power-related qualities, as well as improve linear sprinting and change of direction speed.
This study is published in Biology of Sport and is Open Access.
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.
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