Training and match demands of elite rugby union

Cousins, BEW, Morris, JG ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6508-7897, Sunderland, C ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7484-1345, Bennett, AM, Shahtahmassebi, G ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0630-2750 and Cooper, SB ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5219-5020, 2022. Training and match demands of elite rugby union. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. ISSN 1064-8011

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Abstract

This study aimed to examine training and match demands associated with elite Rugby Union. Eighty-nine elite players were monitored using subjective (session ratings of perceived exertion) and objective (GPS: distance and high-speed running [defined as >70% of individual maximum speed] distance) methods, alongside key performance indicator variables in matches (e.g. number of tackles made). These were compared between positions (forwards vs. backs) and league of competition (Premiership vs. Championship). Statistical significance was accepted as p<0.05. Analysis revealed that backs covered greater distance (by 704 m, p<0.001) in training and greater distance (by 7.6 m.min-1, p<0.001) and high-speed running distance (by 1.22 m.min-1, p<0.001) in matches, compared to forwards. In matches, the forwards experience greater key performance indicator demand (tackles: 78%; tackle assists: 207%; breakdown entries: 324%; contact events: 117%; all p<0.001) compared to backs. The number of tackles (53%, p<0.001) and tackles missed (35%, p=0.001) was greater, whereas contact carries (12%, p=0.010) and breakdown entries (10%, p=0.024) were lower, in the Premiership compared to the Championship. Overall, these findings confirm that the running demands of Rugby Union are higher in backs, whilst contact actions are higher in forwards; with further differences between the Premiership and Championship. This comprehensive examination of the demands of elite Rugby Union could be used to ensure the specificity of training protocols for elite Rugby Union clubs, specific to both playing position (forward or back) and level of competition (Premiership or Championship).

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Creators:	Cousins, B.E.W., Morris, J.G., Sunderland, C., Bennett, A.M., Shahtahmassebi, G. and Cooper, S.B.
Publisher:	Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Date:	15 February 2022
ISSN:	1064-8011
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004237 DOI 1520431 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Science and Technology
Record created by:	Jonathan Gallacher
Date Added:	24 Feb 2022 11:39
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2023 03:00
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/45760

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