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Training and Match Demands of Elite Rugby Union.

Ben E W Cousins¹, John G Morris¹, Caroline Sunderland¹

¹Sport Performance Research Group, Sport Science Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom.

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

|December 14, 2022

Summary

Elite rugby union players experience different training and match demands based on position and league. Backs run more, while forwards engage in more physical contact, with variations between Premiership and Championship levels.

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Area of Science:

Sports Science
Rugby Union Performance Analysis

Background:

Understanding the specific physical demands of elite rugby union is crucial for optimizing player training and performance.
Previous research has not comprehensively differentiated these demands based on player position and competitive level.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze and compare the training and match demands of elite rugby union players.
To differentiate these demands between playing positions (forwards vs. backs) and competitive leagues (Premiership vs. Championship).

Main Methods:

Eighty-nine elite rugby union players were monitored using subjective (session ratings of perceived exertion) and objective (global positioning systems) measures.
Objective measures included total distance covered and high-speed running distance (>70% of maximum speed).
Key performance indicators (e.g., tackles, breakdown entries) were analyzed during matches.

Main Results:

Backs covered significantly more distance in training and matches, including greater high-speed running, compared to forwards.
Forwards experienced higher demands in key performance indicators such as tackles, tackle assists, breakdown entries, and contact events.
Premiership players had more tackles and tackles missed, but fewer contact carries and breakdown entries, than Championship players.

Conclusions:

Rugby union demands are position-specific, with backs showing higher running loads and forwards exhibiting greater contact loads.
Competitive level influences match demands, with the Premiership showing increased tackling volume but reduced contact involvement compared to the Championship.
These findings support the development of tailored training protocols for elite rugby union, considering both playing position and league.