Abstract
This study aimed to adapt a repeated high-intensity effort (RHIE) test to the rugby union physical demands and assess both sprint time and tackle indices reliability. Following a familiarization session, sixteen elite rugby union players completed two RHIE tests consisting of 12 × 20 m sprint + tackle. Total sprint time and total g-force during tackling, average sprint time and average g-force as well as percentage decrementsprint time and percentage decrementtackle were considered for the analysis. Sprint time indices showed high to very high absolute and relative reliability (intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) = 0.95, Standard Error Measurement (SEM) = 1.30%; ICC = 0.95, SEM = 1.44%; ICC = 0.73, SEM = 23.0%, for total sprint time, average sprint time and percentage decrementsprint time, respectively). Tackle indices showed moderate to high reliability (ICC = 0.54, SEM = 16.5%; ICC = 0.61, SEM = 15.6%; ICC = 0.71, SEM = 12.3%, for total g-force, average g-force and percentage decrementtackle, respectively). The RHIE test provides reliable measures of sprint time and tackle indices. Tackle indices should be used as a validation criterion of the test, whereas total time should be considered as the test final result.
Highlights
Rugby union is an opposition game between two teams of 15 players, generally classified as “Forwards” and “Backs”, with major differences between them in terms of physical and physiological requirements during a match
Sprint performance decreased over time with a statistical difference from the 1st repetition occurring after the 4th repetition (p < 0.05)
The percent decrementsprint time was similar between Tests 1 and 2 and showed high relative (ICC = 0.73) and poor absolute reliability (SEM = 23.0%; MD = 63.6%)
Summary
Rugby union is an opposition game between two teams of 15 players, generally classified as “Forwards” and “Backs”, with major differences between them in terms of physical and physiological requirements during a match. Johnston et al [6] assessed the running performance (distance and intensity) of rugby league players during small-sided games with variable contact bouts (i.e., 1, 2 or 3 × 5 s wrestle periods) and observed greater reduction in running intensity with multiple contacts. It seems that when the contact demands become higher during small-sided games, players exhibiting better running performance are not those with the best high-intensity-running ability [6]. The addition of multiple contacts may cause an additional fatigue which may amplify the muscular limiting factors and increase the implication of central fatigue reported with RSA [7] leading to a pacing strategy adopted by players [6]
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