Identifying key performance tests in differentiating starting and substitute women Rugby players: a discriminant...

This study aims to identify the performance tests with the highest discriminatory power for distinguishing between starting and substitute female rugby players.

A total of 24 female rugby players, who regularly participated in official league competitions and engaged in structured training on a regular basis, voluntarily participated in this study. The players were divided into two groups: starting players (age: 25.83 ± 3.81 years, height: 165.17 ± 5.83 cm, body mass: 61.08 ± 5.00 kg) and substitute players (age: 26.08 ± 3.12 years, height: 163.75 ± 5.33 cm, body mass: 60.42 ± 4.52 kg). Wingate, sprints (30 m), squat jump test, visual reaction and VO_2max performance tests were administered to the participants. Independent sample t-tests were used to analyze the statistical differences between player groups. Cohen's d effect sizes are also calculated and classified according to the Hopkins. Subsequently, discriminant function analysis was applied to determine which tests had higher discriminatory power between starting and substitute rugby players.

Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between starting and substitute players in several performance variables, with starting players showing superior results in all performance tests, characterized by t-values ranging from 1.572 to 4.934, p-values < 0.001 to 0.130, and Cohen's d effect sizes from 0.64 to 2.01. Discriminant function analysis identified the most discriminatory tests as sprint maximum sprint speed and Win_mean (both 87.5%), followed by 5 m sprint, Win_peak, and performance decrease (PD) (all 83.3%).

Maximum sprint speed and Wingate_mean, with their superior discriminatory capabilities, are recommended for accurately assessing performance levels and differentiating player roles on the field, thereby enhancing training and selection processes in rugby.