On-field Performances of Rugby Union Players--A Review

A review of 16 studies examining on-field performances of rugby union players was conducted. Based on this review, we discuss a number of methodological and measurement concerns, and provide practical implications for practitioners who develop training programs for rugby players. Among the main findings that emerged from our review were (a) rugby is an intermittent sport in nature with many tempo changes, ranging from high-intensity sprints and static exertion to jogging, standing, and walking, and (b) differences in on-field performance among players playing different positions are common, and are especially apparent among forwards, who are involved in more static high-intensity efforts, and backs, who spend more time in high-intensity running. Among the methodological concerns in these studies are the lack of a standardized method of coding movement categories and the lack of data about the opposing team. We suggest that practitioners design training programs, which reflect the specific needs of players playing different positions, and that they use up-to-date technology to accurately assess players' on-field efforts.