Authors
Nicholls, ScottAdvisors
Worsfold, Paul R.Finnigan, Nicola
Publication Date
2014-09
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the competitive ‘ball in play’ (BIP) locomotive demands of elite rugby union and establish whether differences exist between overall match demands and those experienced during BIP. A total of 144 performances from eight English Premiership Clubs were tracked using global positioning systems (GPS) during 42 competitive matches (2010/11 season). Player positions were categorised in three ways: (1) Forwards and Backs; (2) Front Row, Second Row and Back Row Forwards, Scrumhalf, Inside and Outside Backs and (3) individual playing position (position numbers 1-15). Results indicated a number of significant (P < 0.05) differences between the Forwards and Backs including; the relative distances (m . min-1) and distributions (%) of the standing/walking, jogging and sprinting speed zones. The scrumhalf covered the greatest relative distance (93.1 m . min-1), which was 44 % more than the lowest (Second Row). The tight head prop (1:20.7) illustrated the greatest mean work to rest ratio (WRR) whereas the lowest was identified for the loose head prop (1:4.7). Furthermore, the fly half demonstrated the greatest proportion of sprinting activities (1.4 % of total locomotion). Overall, the study provides insight into the BIP demands of rugby union, highlighting a greater percentage of high intensity (striding and sprinting) activities performed within a game than previously established. The findings demonstrate notable position-related differences and further reinforce the need for individualised player conditioning programmes.Publisher
University of ChesterType
Thesis or dissertationLanguage
enCollections
The following license files are associated with this item: