Adolescent Rugby Research Articles

Quantifying the Training Loads and Corresponding Changes in Physical Qualities among Adolescent, Schoolboy Rugby League Players.

The adolescent development period is critical for rugby league athletes, given the physical growth, neuromuscular adaptation, and skill acquisition that occurs. Secondary schools play an important role in the development of adolescent rugby league players; however, players may be selected into rugby league academies and development programs outside of school, as well as participating in additional sports. In turn, the training loads these young athletes accrue and the implications of these loads are currently unknown. Our aim was to quantify the training loads and concomitant changes in physical qualities of schoolboy and adolescent rugby league players during mesocycles within the pre-season and in-season phases. This is a prospective experimental study. Twenty-one schoolboy rugby league players (16.2 ± 1.3 years) were monitored across separate 4-week mesocycles in the pre-season and in-season. Session frequency, duration, and the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) load were reported for all examples of training and match participation in the school rugby league program, as well as club and representative teams for any sport and personal strength and conditioning. Various physical qualities were assessed before and after each 4-week mesocycle. The sRPE load that accumulated across the 4-week mesocycles was higher in the pre-season than the in-season (8260 ± 2021 arbitrary units [AU] vs. 6148 ± 980 AU, p < 0.001), with non-significant differences in accumulated session frequency and duration between phases. Session frequency, duration, and sRPE load differed (p < 0.05) between some weeks in an inconsistent manner during the pre-season and in-season mesocycles. Regarding physical qualities, improvements (p < 0.05) in the 10 m sprint test, Multistage Fitness Test, medicine ball throw, and 1-repetition maximum back squat and bench press performances were evident across the pre-season mesocycle, with declines (p < 0.05) in the 505-Agility Test, L-run Test, and 1-repetition maximum back squat performances across the in-season mesocycle. Conclusions: These novel training load data show schoolboy rugby league players experience considerable demands that may be suitable in developing several physical qualities during the pre-season but detrimental to maintaining such qualities across the in-season.

188 Recovery after a sports-related concussion: a longitudinal study of adolescent rugby union players in Northern Ireland

188 Recovery after a sports-related concussion: a longitudinal study of adolescent rugby union players in Northern Ireland

A cluster randomized trial of a rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) program and a mindfulness-acceptance-commitment (MAC) program, with South African adolescent rugby players

Until recently, research examining the application of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) in sports settings was virtually absent in South Africa. Despite the growing evidence of REBT's potential as a psychological intervention in Western nations, its use within the multicultural and sports-fervent context of South Africa remains unexplored. Moreover, limited research has addressed the impact of REBT on rugby players, with only a few case studies being reported. The current experiment employs a cluster randomized trial (CRT) to compare the effects of a 7-week preferential REBT program with a 7-week Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC) program on irrational beliefs, competitive anxiety and subjective performance, among adolescent South African rugby players. We also include a wait-list control group who received neither REBT nor MAC. Results indicate that athletes receiving REBT reported greater improvements in irrational beliefs, anxiety, and subjective performance, while that athletes receiving MAC also reported some improvements in anxiety. This study highlights the potential of REBT as a valuable psychological intervention in the context of South African adolescent rugby players.

The role of concussion history and biological sex on baseline concussion clinical profile symptoms in adolescent rugby players

BackgroundAccurate concussion monitoring requires access to preinjury baseline data. This is particularly important in adolescent athletes who have a high risk of concussion and are prone to prolonged recovery. As Rugby Union is governed by similar laws for men and women, it is also an ideal population to rigorously examine the impact of biological sex on concussion symptoms.AimsTo evaluate self-reported concussion symptoms at baseline in adolescent rugby union players, and examine if subtype-specific symptoms are affected by concussion history and biological sex.MethodsAdolescent rugby union players aged 16–18 years were recruited during the 2022–2023 playing season. Participants completed a series of questionnaires covering post-concussion symptoms, concussion clinical profiles, anxiety, depression and fear avoidance behaviours. Independent variables of interest in analysis were biological sex and concussion history.Results149 participants (75% male) were included. 42% (63/149) reported at least one previous concussion (average time since concussion: 18.7 months, range 1–72). Adolescents with a concussion history reported significantly higher scores than those with no history, across two clinical profiles (ocular and sleep), concussion symptom severity, and depression, all based on medium effect sizes (SMD 0.3–0.5). Females had significantly higher scores across cognitive/fatigue, ocular and sleep clinical profiles, concussion symptoms, anxiety and depression, each with large effect sizes (SMD > 0.5).ConclusionsConcussion history and sex are associated with higher baseline scores on specific concussion clinical profile, concussion symptom severity, and anxiety symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of considering baseline differences when interpreting post-injury clinical profile symptoms in adolescent rugby players. (Trial registration: ACTRN12622000931774).

The Role of Concussion History and Biological Sex on Pupillary Light Reflex Metrics in Adolescent Rugby Players: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Concussion examination is based primarily on clinical evaluation and symptomatic reporting. Pupillary light reflex (PLR) metrics may provide an objective physiological marker to inform concussion diagnosis and recovery, but few studies have assessed PLR, and normative data are lacking, particularly for adolescents. Aim: To capture PLR data in adolescent rugby players and examine the effects of concussion history and biological sex. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: Male and female adolescent rugby union players aged 16 to 18 years were recruited at the start of the 2022-2023 playing season. PLR was recorded using a handheld pupillometer which provided seven different metrics relating to pupil diameter, constriction/dilation latency, and velocity. Data were analysed using a series of 2 × 2 ANOVAs to examine the main effects of independent variables: biological sex, concussion history, and their interactions, using adjusted p-values (p < 0.05). Results: 149 participants (75% male) were included. A total of 42% reported at least one previous concussion. Most metrics were unaffected by the independent variables. There were however significant main effects for concussion history (F = 4.11 (1); p = 0.05) and sex (F = 5.42 (1); p = 0.02) in end pupil diameters, and a main effect for sex in initial pupil diameters (F = 4.45 (1); p = 0.04). Although no significant interaction effects were found, on average, females with a concussion history presented with greater pupillary diameters and velocity metrics, with many pairwise comparisons showing large effects (SMD > 0.8). Conclusions: Pupillary diameters in adolescent athletes were significantly affected by concussion history and sex. The most extreme PLR metrics were recorded in females with a history of concussion (higher pupillary diameters and velocities). This highlights the importance of establishing baseline PLR metrics prior to interpretation of the PLR post-concussion. Long-standing PLR abnormalities post-concussion may reflect ongoing autonomic nervous system dysfunction. This warrants further investigation in longitudinal studies.

An investigation into the variability of rugby union small-sided game demands and the effect of pitch size and player number manipulation

This study aimed to quantify the variability of physical, technical, and subjective task-load demands in small-sided games (SSGs), and the effect of manipulating of pitch size and player numbers in SSG in adolescent rugby union (RU) players. Twenty-six subjects completed six conditions in a crossover study design. In each condition subjects played 4 × 3-min periods of an SSG. Games were completed with either 4 × 4, 6 × 6 or 12 × 12 players on either a small (W: 25 m, L: 30 m), medium (W: 30 m, L: 40 m), or large (W: 35 m, L: 50 m) sized pitch. Match demands were assessed using global navigation satellite systems, heart rate (HR) monitors, ratings of perceived exertion, National Aeronautical Space Association task-load index and video analysis. Statistical analysis comprised of typical error, coefficient of variation (CV) and intra-class correlations to assess variability, and the use of linear mixed effects modelling to assess differences between conditions. A range of variability was observed in technical (CV = 25.00% to 52.38%), physical (CV = 4.12% to 51.18%) and subjective task-loads (CV = 7.65% to 17.14%) between identical games. Reducing player numbers increased physical demands such as m/min (ES range = 0.45 to 1.45), technical exposures such as total involvements (ES range = 0.04 to 0.63) and effort, physical and temporal task-loads. Increasing pitch size caused greater movement demands such as m/min (ES range = 0.11 to 0.79), but did not change the technical demands.

Epidemiology of rugby injuries in a South African high school over a one-year period

Adolescent rugby players have a high risk for injuries; however, injury prevention programmes have reduced the incidence of injuries amongst this group. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the epidemiology of rugby injuries at a South African high school over one season. There were 99 participants over a total of 98 matches and the participants were aged between 13 and 18 years. Information on the type of injuries was documented and the injury proportion (IP), injury incidence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, with 1000 player-hours as the denominator. Ninety-nine injuries were recorded, with a total injury incidence of 34.1 injuries/1000 player-hours (95% CI 27.4–40.8). Injuries were predominantly of moderate severity (IP: 25.3%) with a time-loss period of 8 to 28 days. Injuries to the head, neck and spine were the most common (IP: 38.4%; incidence: 13.1; 95% CI 8.9–17.2). The findings on the nature of injuries were largely consistent with current local and international research on high school rugby, with the head, neck and spine remaining at a significant risk of injury. It is recommended that injury prevention programmes further enforce safety guidelines for the protection of the head, neck and spine amongst high school athletes.

Pediatric Sport-Related Concussion: Recommendations From the Amsterdam Consensus Statement 2023.

The 6th International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport, Amsterdam 2022, addressed sport-related concussion (SRC) in adults, adolescents, and children. We highlight the updated evidence-base and recommendations regarding SRC in children (5–12 years) and adolescents (13–18 years). Prevention strategies demonstrate lower SRC rates with mouthguard use, policy disallowing bodychecking in ice hockey, and neuromuscular training in adolescent rugby. The Sport Concussion Assessment Tools (SCAT) demonstrate robustness with the parent and child symptom scales, with the best diagnostic discrimination within the first 72 hours postinjury. Subacute evaluation (&amp;gt;72 hours) requires a multimodal tool incorporating symptom scales, balance measures, cognitive, oculomotor and vestibular, mental health, and sleep assessment, to which end the Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tools (SCOAT6 [13+] and Child SCOAT6 [8–12]) were developed. Rather than strict rest, early return to light physical activity and reduced screen time facilitate recovery. Cervicovestibular rehabilitation is recommended for adolescents with dizziness, neck pain, and/or headaches for greater than 10 days. Active rehabilitation and collaborative care for adolescents with persisting symptoms for more than 30 days may decrease symptoms. No tests and measures other than standardized and validated symptom rating scales are valid for diagnosing persisting symptoms after concussion. Fluid and imaging biomarkers currently have limited clinical utility in diagnosing or assessing recovery from SRC. Improved paradigms for return to school were developed. The variable nature of disability and differences in evaluating para athletes and those of diverse ethnicity, sex, and gender are discussed, as are ethical considerations and future directions in pediatric SRC research.

The retest reliability of the most common tests used to assess key physical and physiological characteristics in male, adolescent rugby league players

The retest reliability of the most common tests used to assess key physical and physiological characteristics in male, adolescent rugby league players

Multisystem recovery after sport-related concussion in adolescent rugby players: a prospective study protocol

IntroductionSport-related concussion is one of the most common injuries in adolescent rugby players with evidence of prolonged recovery in some concussed athletes. Concussion is a complex pathophysiological process that can...

Effects of a six-week multimodal training programme on the sprinting ability of adolescent rugby sevens players

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of 6-week multimodal training on the sprinting performance and biomechanics of adolescent rugby players. Twenty-four players were assigned to control group (CG) or intervention group (IG). For 6 weeks, CG maintained their training routine, while IG completed a training programme consisting of unresisted sprints, as well as heavy-resisted sprints, running technique drills and lumbopelvic stability. Before and after, sprint performance, horizontal force-velocity profile (FV-h), sprinting kinematics and spatiotemporal data were obtained. After the training, IG reduced the 0–5 m (p = 0.044), 0–10 m (p = 0.046) and 25–30 m (p = 0.035) split times compared with CG. In FV-h, IG displayed a higher maximal theoretical horizontal force (p = 0.035) and ratio of force (p = 0.048) than CG. Regarding kinematic and spatiotemporal variables, only IG improved step length (p < 0.001), step rate (p = 0.005) and distance between knees (p = 0.048) compared with baseline, but there were no between-group differences. Six weeks of multimodal training improved sprinting acceleration and mechanical variables of force application during sprinting of adolescent rugby players. Although IG improved some biomechanical variables compared with baseline, these changes were similar to those observed in CG.

A comparison of clinical assessment with common diagnostic tools for monitoring concussion recovery in adolescent rugby union players

ObjectivesTo characterise the incidence, severity and recovery of sport-related concussion (SRC) in schoolboy rugby players and explore whether the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT), Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB) and the King-Devick test (K-D test) can be used to monitor concussion status through to full recovery. DesignProspective cohort study. SettingRugby union has a high rate of SRC; however, there is little research investigating how concussion affects adolescent rugby players. ParticipantsSchoolboy rugby players. Main outcome measuresParticipants completed baseline tests in the preseason. Participants diagnosed with SRC during the season attended for post-concussion testing on a weekly basis until recovered. Results135 schoolboy rugby players (16.7 ± 0.82y) participated in the study. There were 18 SRCs in 16 participants. Concussion incidence was 9/1000 player hours. CBB and K-D tests were poorly associated with clinical assessment and produced high false negative rates (0.58 and 0.52 respectively). ConclusionsThis study reports a relatively high match SRC incidence for an adolescent population. Analysis of clinical recovery with CBB and K-D test revealed a relatively poor ability to accurately monitor concussion status compared to clinical assessment suggesting that these tools should not be used in isolation for monitoring SRC recovery in adolescents.

The association between size and symmetry of the lumbar multifidus muscle, and injuries in adolescent rugby union players

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the association between size and symmetry of the lumbar multifidus muscle, and season injuries in adolescent rugby union players. DesignProspective longitudinal cohort study. SettingPre-season assessment of the size (cross-sectional area) of the lumbar multifidus (L2-5) muscles using ultrasound imaging. ParticipantsSeventy-one adolescent rugby union players (aged 15–18 years). Main outcome measures“Time-loss” injuries were recorded during the season and divided into four injury regions (head and neck, upper limb, trunk and lower limb). ResultsThirty-nine injuries were recorded during the season. Players who sustained an upper limb injury during the season had smaller lumbar multifidus muscles at the L5 vertebral level (effect size = 0.7, p = 0.03) and asymmetry in muscle size at the L2 (p = 0.05) and L5 (p = 0.04) in the pre-season. There was no association between size of the lumbar multifidus muscle and other injuries (p > 0.05). ConclusionLumbar multifidus muscle size and symmetry may impact lumbopelvic control which may increase the risk of sustaining an upper limb injury during rugby union. Future research should aim to identify whether lumbar multifidus muscle size is a modifiable risk factor for rugby union injuries to guide future intervention programs.

The Effect of Unilateral and Bilateral Leg Press Training on Lower Body Strength and Power and Athletic Performance in Adolescent Rugby Players.

This study aimed to compare the effects of 5 weeks of unilateral and bilateral leg press training on lower body strength, linear sprinting and vertical jumping performance in adolescent rugby players. Twenty-six male adolescent rugby players (age = 15.3 ± 0.4 years) were assigned via stratified block randomization to unilateral (n = 9), bilateral (n = 9) and control (n = 8) groups. Training consisted of either the unilateral or the bilateral leg press twice weekly over five weeks, with the control group maintaining habitual training. Lower body unilateral and bilateral strength, vertical jump and linear sprint performance were assessed before and after training. After 5 weeks of training, both training groups significantly increased the 5-repetition maximum bilateral leg press (unilateral group = 8.9%, d = 0.53; bilateral group = 10.9%, d = 0.55, p < 0.01) and the 5-repetition maximum unilateral leg press (unilateral group = 20.2%, d = 0.81; bilateral group = 12.4%, d = 0.45, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the size of improvement in unilateral and bilateral groups in the 5-repetition maximum bilateral leg press, but the 5-repetition maximum unilateral leg press increased significantly more in the unilateral group (p < 0.05). No significant training effects were found for vertical jump or linear sprint performance. The results indicated that unilateral leg press training was as effective as bilateral leg press training in improving bilateral strength and more effective in improving unilateral strength in adolescent rugby players. However, strength improvement did not transfer to athletic performance improvements in either group.

A novel application of entropy analysis for assessing changes in movement variability during cumulative tackles in young elite rugby league players.

The aim of this study was to identify between-position (forwards vs. backs) differences in movement variability in cumulative tackle events training during both attacking and defensive roles. Eleven elite adolescent male rugby league players volunteered to participate in this study (mean ± SD, age; 18.5 ± 0.5 years, height; 179.5 ± 5.0 cm, body mass; 88.3 ± 13.0 kg). Participants performed a drill encompassing four blocks of six tackling (i.e. tackling an opponent) and six tackled (i.e. being tackled by an opponent while carrying a ball) events (i.e. 48 total tackles) while wearing a micro-technological inertial measurement unit (WIMU, Realtrack Systems, Spain). The acceleration data were used to calculate sample entropy (SampEn) to analyse the movement variability during tackles performance. In tackling actions SampEn showed significant between-position differences in block 1 (p = 0.0001) and block 2 (p = 0.0003). Significant between-block differences were observed in backs (block 1 vs 3, p = 0,0021; and block 1 vs 4, p = 0,0001) but not in forwards. When being tackled, SampEn showed significant between-position differences in block 1 (p = 0.0007) and block 3 (p = 0.0118). Significant between-block differences were only observed for backs in block 1 vs 4 (p = 0,0025). Movement variability shows a progressive reduction with cumulative tackle events, especially in backs and when in the defensive role (tackling). Forwards present lower movement variability values in all blocks, particularly in the first block, both in the attacking and defensive role. Entropy measures can be used by practitioners as an alternative tool to analyse the temporal structure of variability of tackle actions and quantify the load of these actions according to playing position.

Body composition and physical performance in under-17 and under-19 rugby players: differences and associations among forwards and backs

This study aimed to compare body composition and physical performance between U-17 and U-19 rugby players (forwards and backs), and examine the correlations among body composition, relative strength, jump, and sprint performance in both playing positions. Fifty-two male adolescent rugby players (mean ± SD: age, U-17: 16.2 ± 0.6 and U-19: 18.09 ± 0.9 years) participated in the study. Players performed anthropometric, body-composition (∑3 skinfolds [SF], body fat [BF] and lean mass [LM]), vertical jump, 30-m sprint, and squat one-repetition maximum (1RM-SQ) tests. Significant differences were observed for body mass (BM) and body composition variables among playing positions for both categories (P: 0.05 to &lt; 0.001; ES &gt; 0.72). U-17 forwards showed significantly different performance across all variables when compared to U-19 backs (P: 0.05 to &lt; 0.001; ES &gt; 1.08). Likewise, U-17 forwards showed lower relative strength (P: 0.05–0.095; ES &gt; 1.66) and higher 30-m sprint times (P &lt; 0.024; ES &gt; 0.57) when compared to U-19 forwards and U-17 backs. Overall, for the backs, BM and LM were significantly associated with all performance variables (r: −0.72 to 0.50; P &lt; 0.05). Conversely, for the forwards, BF and SF were significantly correlated with vertical jump height and sprint times (r: −0.62 to 0.52; P &lt; 0.05). Clear differences exist between backs and forwards irrespective of the age category, whilst no differences were observed between U-17 and U-19 backs. The present results suggest that practitioners should monitor different body-composition variables due to the magnitude of associations observed with sprinting and jumping abilities.

The incidence and burden of injury in male adolescent community rugby union in Australia

ABSTRACT Objectives To describe the incidence, location, mechanism and burden of injury in community male adolescent rugby. Methods A prospective cohort injury surveillance study using sports trainers to record ‘any physical complaint’ over three seasons (2018/2019/2021) in 979 U13-U17 community male rugby union players. Results One hundred and fifty-two time-loss injuries (27.6/1000 hours) with an associated burden of 2313 days (419.7 days/1000 hours), 169 non-time loss medical attention (30.1/1000 hours) and 813 physical complaints (147.5/1000 hours) were recorded from 5511.7 exposure hours (matches 3932.5 hours, training 1579.2 hours). Time-loss injury incidence was highest in U16 (45/1000 hours) and lowest in U17 (16.6/1000 hours), with U17 significantly lower than U16 and U15 age-grades (p < 0.05). Injury burden was greatest in U13 (561.4 days/1000 hours), and significantly higher than U15 and U17 (p < 0.05). Collectively, injury incidence was greatest for the head/neck (11.8/1000 hours), bruise/contusions were most common (8.7/1000 hours) and concussion (4.5/1000 hours) accounted for the greatest injury burden (102 days/1000 hours). Being tackled was the most observed injury mechanism (10.0/1000 hours). Forwards had significantly higher incidence in mild injury (p < 0.01). The total burden (p < 0.001) associated with mild (p < 0.001) and moderate injuries (p < 0.001) was significantly higher in forwards, as was the burden of being tackled (p < 0.001), collisions (p < 0.001), trunk (p < 0.001) and lower limb (p < 0.01) injury locations. In contrast, ruck-related injury burden was greater in backs (p < 0.001). Conclusion This study showed age-grade and positional differences in incidence and burden of injury in community adolescent rugby union. The rate of non-time loss relative to time-loss injury and muscle strain injury in U13-U14s suggests further research into injury risk and maturation in rugby is needed.

An investigation of coaches’ awareness of injury in elite adolescent rugby union in Northern Irish schools - A qualitative study

ObjectivesTo examine the decision-making processes employed by schools' Rugby coaches in the management of injured players and to explore the factors that influenced those decisions. A secondary objective was to gauge interest in an education focused toolkit for schools' Rugby coaches. DesignA qualitative study using one-to-one online interviews. SettingSchools who compete in the Ulster Schools' Cup Rugby competition. ParticipantsEleven Rugby union coaches from four post primary schools. Outcome measuresA thematic analysis approach was used to examine the factors that influence schools' Rugby coaches' decision-making processes in the management of injured players. ResultsFindings suggest coaches are influenced in their decision making by four primary factors: their experience and learning, their relationships with other stakeholders, their knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of medical staff, healthcare and health fitness professionals, and resources available to them. ConclusionsSchools' Rugby coaches play a significant role in the supervision of injured adolescent Rugby players, often drawing from their playing and coaching experiences. Schools retain, or recommend the services, of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and health and fitness professionals (HFPs). The role of these healthcare and health and fitness professionals, along with their qualifications and experience is not fully understood by coaches. Coaches acknowledge that there is a need for further training and would welcome education initiatives aimed at increasing awareness of musculoskeletal injury in schoolboy Rugby players.

Sport supplement use among high school rugby players in South Africa: A scoping review.

The use of sport supplements has increased for all types and levels of sport, with an estimated increase of 5.8% annually. Sport supplement usage and doping among high school athletes has increased over the years to meet the demands of the sports. This scoping review identifies the trends and gaps in current literature regarding sport supplement use among high school rugby players in South Africa. A search was conducted using six electronic databases, namely Oxford Academic, Emerald Publishing, ResearchGate, SABINET, PubMed and Google Scholar. The eligibility of the articles was determined by means of a PRISMA flow diagram with the following inclusion criteria: (1) research concerning supplement use among rugby players, (2) research concerning supplement use among high school rugby players. Five articles all comprising of cross-sectional study designs were included in this scoping review. The prevalence of sport supplement use among adolescent rugby players ranged from 30% to 45%. Protein supplements (31% - 79%) were the most commonly identified supplement used among adolescent rugby players with the aim to improve sport performance as the most common reason for use. The internet (74%) and magazines (72%), followed by coaches comments (28% to 30%), were given as the most common sources of information. The use of sport supplements is increasing among high school athletes due to the belief that these substances will provide sporting performance benefits or enhance the competitive 'edge' of these athletes. Additional education regarding the safety of supplements is necessary to lower the incidences of doping among young athletes and avoid the adverse health effects that uncontrolled supplement use can cause.

Night-to-night sleep variability in adolescent rugby players compared to non-athlete matched controls

Despite the importance of sleep monitoring in the context of sport, few studies to date examined night-to-night sleep variability among adolescent athletes. This study compared night-to-night sleep variation between junior rugby players and age-matched non-athlete adolescents across seven consecutive nights of the in-season competitive phase. This investigation is based on data from a single centre, observational prospective study including 30 adolescents (15 junior rugby players and 15 non-athlete age-matched controls). Sleep was continuously monitored using ambulatory electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings. While the non-athlete controls catch-up on their sleep debt during the weekend by delaying their wake-up time, junior rugby players opt for an earlier bedtime to cope with sport-related travel (Fri: −00:57 h:min; p &lt; 0.001; Sat: −01:58 h:min; p &lt; 0.001) or early school (Mon: −00:55 h:min; p &lt; 0.001). Night-to-night sleep examination identified greater sleep disturbances in junior rugby players the nights before and after the competition SE (Fri: −11%; p &lt; 0.001; Sat: −9 min; p &lt; 0.01). Junior rugby players showed higher IIV in sleep duration (CVTST: + 5.8%; P &lt; 0.001), efficiency (CVSE: + 3.8%; p &lt; 0.001) and staging (CVN2: + 5.4%; p &lt; 0.001; CVN3: + 4.5; p &lt; 0.01 IIV; REM: + 16.4%; p &lt; 0.01). Higher IIV in the young athletes’ sleep outcomes could make them even more vulnerable to health and wellness concerns (i.e. overtraining, injury). The study results show the urgent need for an appropriate consideration of sleep regularity in young athletes.