English Rugby Union Research Articles

The impact of high-potential status on progression and conversion within a male rugby union talent system

ABSTRACT The conversion rate of junior athletes to senior performance is typically used to judge efficiency in talent development. This study aimed to calculate the conversion rate of English academy rugby union players conferred with ‘high-potential’ ‘England Academy Player’ status, distinguishing them from their age-matched peers, from academy selection into the Premiership, the elite domestic league. Conversion was calculated overall and between academies, considering when players were conferred high-potential status. In total, 3127 male players were sampled. Players conferred with high-potential status early (prior to achieving a senior contract) accounted for 68.03% of elite debuts and had increased odds of converting compared to other player sub-populations (OR: 5.82, 95% CI: 4.60–7.37). Regression analysis inferred acquiring high-potential status at younger ages increased odds of a Premiership appearance by 2.501. However, delimiting to players achieving senior contracts, players conferred ‘high-potential’ after accomplishing a senior contract had a greater relative conversion (46.34%) compared to early status players (40.27%). Academy conversion rates and contribution to net development considerably varied (14.63–45.28% and 2.72–12.84%). Findings suggest that whilst high-potential status influences progression, other important factors influence player development. Results demonstrate the need to consider how the specific context of each academy within the talent system influences player development.

Match injuries in English schoolboy rugby union

ObjectiveThis study describes the incidence, severity and burden of match injuries in schoolboy rugby union in England, across three age groups: under-13 (U13), under-15 (U15) and under-18 (U18).MethodsData regarding 574...

Introducing a model of business sustainability in English professional rugby union

ABSTRACT Research question The transition of rugby union as the last major team sport to go professional in 1995, has remained problematic. With ongoing challenges with financial health, the impact of COVID-19 and the need for more effective governance, the game has reached a pivotal moment in its history, if it is to become a sustainable sports business. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a model that identifies key characteristics of business sustainability in English professional rugby. Research methods This paper is designed to position a case for change, by examining a range of issues that can deliver a theoretical method to support the achievement of sustainability of professional rugby union, and specifically the Gallagher Premiership. The development of the model is considered a starting point for further research based on the theoretical application of the economics of team sports and sports business modelling. Research findings The development of a sustainable business model in professional rugby union has led to the identification of four key characteristics related to cost control, profit maximisation, business model innovation and governance. Practical implications The authors argue that unless the custodians of the game take note of the need for reform relating to the extant models of business practice being operated in the Gallagher Premiership, there is the acute possibility that the growth of the game may be stifled or even cease to exist when the game is at its most popular.

A comparison of the knowledge and attitudes of concussion within higher and lower leagues of the community rugby union game

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) HEADCASE initiative aims to educate coaches, referees, and players on concussion. Concussion in community rugby is under-reported. Therefore, players can play a role in concussion safety if they have adequate knowledge and safe attitudes. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the concussion knowledge and attitudes and Return to Play (RTP) of the community rugby union game. A descriptive, cross-sectional study. Participants (n=87) were from level 4 or level 8 of the English rugby union league system. A modified Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey-Student Version (RoCKAS-ST) questionnaire was distributed to semi-professional and amateur clubs to evaluate players concussion knowledge index (CKI) and concussion attitudes and behaviours index (CAI) regarding RTP. No statistically significant differences existed relating to knowledge, behaviours or attitude. Some worrying gaps in knowledge were identified. Findings show that community rugby union players are knowledgeable about concussion and have shown safe attitudes, however this doesn't always translate to safe behaviours. There are some gaps in their knowledge that must be addressed relating to coma and coherence of the athlete and in symptom recognition relating to sleep disturbances.

Barriers and facilitators to implementing the Activate injury prevention exercise programme – A qualitative study of schoolboy rugby coaches

The rugby-specific Activate injury prevention exercise programme was deemed efficacious in a randomised controlled trial and subsequently disseminated nationwide by the Rugby Football Union (English rugby union governing body) in 2017. However, no assessment has been made of the factors influencing Activate implementation in an applied setting. Consequently, this study sought to assess the barriers and facilitators to coaches implementing Activate in English schoolboy rugby. This qualitative study adopted a framework approach, using four a-priori themes influencing injury prevention implementation: awareness, motivational determinants, volitional determinants and socio-environmental factors. A purposive sample of schoolboy rugby coaches were recruited from schools nationwide, participating in semi-structured, one-on-one interviews (n = 10). Transcripts were thematically coded. Participants had positive perceptions towards Activate, although only six adopted the programme. Participants reported that players were generally unaware of the programme, with some suggesting this was not an issue as coaches made the decision to adopt Activate. Participants focused heavily upon the use of resources to develop coaches’ awareness, knowledge and confidence. No participant implemented Activate as initially designed, influenced by time and engagement, instead incorporating it within training drills rather than as a block at the beginning of the session. Participants adapted the programme to make it suitable for multiple sports. Some participants reported asking players to deliver Activate, despite their lack of awareness, raising concerns around implementation. Participants heavily adapted Activate delivery to suit their contexts. How this affects the effectiveness of Activate to reduce injury risk is unknown and should be investigated. Player-specific dissemination strategies should be considered if these individuals act as delivery-agents.

Effectiveness of the Activate injury prevention exercise programme to prevent injury in schoolboy rugby union

ObjectiveThe efficacious Activate injury prevention exercise programme has been shown to prevent injuries in English schoolboy rugby union. There is now a need to assess the implementation and effectiveness of...

Malign and covert nationalism within British newspapers reporting of Eddie Jones’ appointment as head coach of the men's England national rugby union team

The appointment of Eddie Jones as the England men's rugby union head coach in 2015 was significant because he was the first foreign-born individual to occupy this role. After sourcing 136 British newspaper articles published one week either side of Jones’ official announcement for his appointment on 20th November 2015, this study identified three overarching themes for how narratives of this event were framed: (a) negativity and the loss of national identity; (b) positivity and need for cultural change underscored with conditional acceptance; and (c) declinism with the need for succession planning. Bourdieu's concepts of field, habitus, embodied cultural and symbolic capital were drawn upon to theorise how much of the media initially rejected Jones’ appointment. The results indicated an overt and xenophobic ‘Little Englander’ narrative was first presented by some journalists based on Jones’ perceived Australian habitus and capital not reflecting the cultural values attached to English rugby union. Even when reports were positive, binary ‘one of our own/us’ and ‘outsider/them’ narratives represented symbolic violence through a malign ‘Little Englander’ attitude, albeit one that is a more covert form of discrimination than has previously been reported. Recommendations for continued analyses that acknowledge temporality within this discipline are finally presented.

The relative age effect in male and female English age-grade rugby union: Exploring the gender-specific mechanisms that underpin participation

ABSTRACT The relative age effect (RAE) is a phenomenon that represents how young athletes who are born early in the selection year are often overrepresented within youth sport settings. The contact nature of rugby union may further magnify the physiological advantages of those athletes who are chronologically older. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the RAE within English age-grade rugby union. Male (n = 228,206) and female (n = 23,563) English age-grade rugby union participants were allocated into their 12-month annual age-category (under-7 to under-18). Data was analysed using a chi-square goodness-of-fit test to compare the observed and expected distributions. Significant differences were revealed in all male (p < 0.001) and nine out of twelve female (p < 0.05) annual-age categories. From a male perspective, a higher relative difference became present at under-14 onwards, suggesting that there may be further implications due to the onset of puberty and the introduction of 15-a-side competition. Further female analysis revealed that there was a within-2-year effect in their 24-month age groups (under-13 and under-15). Interestingly, there was an inverse within-3-year effect (i.e., an overrepresentation of younger players) within the female 36-month age group (under-18). The key findings indicate a RAE has become ingrained in English age-grade rugby union, as well as outlining important gender-specific considerations.

Implementation of the Activate injury prevention exercise programme in English schoolboy rugby union

ObjectivesThe implementation of the Activate injury prevention exercise programme has not been assessed in an applied context. This study aimed to (1) describe the knowledge and perceptions of school rugby...

Talent Identification and Relative Age Effects in English Male Rugby Union Pathways: From Entry to Expertise.

A common practice in youth rugby union is to group players based on (bi)annual age with fixed cut-off dates. The overrepresentation of players born at the start of the cut-off date and the underrepresentation of players born toward the end of the cut-off date are termed relative age effects (RAEs). The aim of this study was to examine RAEs during entry into professional and international rugby union pathways in England, as well as comparing them to their respective senior cohort: U15 Regional Academy Player (n = 1,114) vs. Senior Professional Player (n = 281) and U16–23 England Academy Player (n = 849) vs. Senior International Player (n = 48). Chi-square (χ2) analysis compared birth quarter (BQ) distributions against expected distributions. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals compared the likelihood of a BQ being selected. Findings revealed a significant overrepresentation of relatively older players compared with their relatively younger peers within both youth cohorts (P < 0.001; BQ1 = 42.5% vs. BQ4 = 9.6%; BQ1 = 36.5% vs. BQ4 = 15.2%). In comparison, there was no significant difference in the BQ distributions within both senior cohorts. Further, BQ4s were 3.86 and 3.9 times more likely to achieve senior professional and international levels than BQ1s and BQ2s, respectively. It is suggested that relatively younger players may have a greater likelihood of achieving expertise following entry into a rugby union talent pathway due to benefitting from more competitive play against relatively older counterparts during their development (e.g., reversal effects; the underdog hypothesis). Moreover, possible solutions (e.g., age and anthropometric banding; playing-up and playing-down) are discussed to encourage practitioners and policy makers to create the most appropriate learning environment for every player.

King-Devick concussion test performs poorly as a screening tool in elite rugby union players: a prospective cohort study of two screening tests versus a clinical reference standard

BackgroundThe King-Devick (KD) test is an objective clinical test of eye movements that has been used to screen for concussion. We characterised the accuracy of the KD test and the...

Developing team resilience: A season-long study of psychosocial enablers and strategies in a high-level sports team

Objectives: Previous research exploring team resilience has advanced our definitional, conceptual and theoretical understanding of this construct in elite sport. Although more is known about the psychosocial processes that underpin the resilient characteristics of sports teams, less is known about the contextual enablers that stimulate these mechanisms and the associated pathways to team resilience. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to explore the psychosocial enablers and strategies that promote the development of team resilience within a high-level sport team. Design and method: Through prolonged fieldwork, a season-long ethnography (11 months) was conducted. The sample consisted of a leading English national league-winning semi11 professional rugby union team (n = 27 participants). Multiple data collection methods were employed (i.e., observation, interviewing, field notes, reflexive diary) as part of a holistic ethnographic approach. An iterative process of content data analysis was employed to identify key themes. Results: Findings revealed five categories comprising multiple practical strategies, actions, and enablers for team resilience development: Inspiring, motivating, and challenging team members to achieve performance excellence; developing a team regulatory system based on ownership and responsibility; cultivating a team identity and togetherness based on a selfless culture; exposing the team to challenging training and unexpected/difficult situations; and promoting enjoyment and keeping a positive outlook during stressors. Cultural expressions and folk terms were identified to illuminate the context of the ethnography. Conclusions: This study advanced team resilience research in sport by identifying key psychosocial strategies throughout a season as part of building team resilience. The findings provide practitioners with a platform for creating team resilience interventions in sport.

A preliminary audit of medical and aid provision in English Rugby union clubs: compliance with Regulation 9

Governing bodies are largely responsible for the monitoring and management of risks associated with a safe playing environment, yet adherence to regulations is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the current status of medical personnel, facilities, and equipment in Rugby Union clubs at regional level in England. A nationwide cross-sectional survey of 242 registered clubs was undertaken, where clubs were surveyed online on their current medical personnel, facilities, and equipment provision, according to regulation 9 of the Rugby Football Union (RFU). Overall, 91 (45. 04%) surveys were returned from the successfully contacted recipients. Of the completed responses, only 23.61% (n = 17) were found to be compliant with regulations. Furthermore, 30.56% (n = 22) of clubs were unsure if their medical personnel had required qualifications; thus, compliance could not be determined. There was a significant correlation (p = -0.029, r = 0.295) between club level and numbers of practitioners. There was no significant correlation indicated between the number of practitioners/number of teams and number of practitioners/number of players. There were significant correlations found between club level and equipment score (p = 0.003, r = -0.410), club level and automated external defibrillator (AED) access (p = 0.002, r = -0.352) and practitioner level and AED access (p = 0.0001, r = 0.404). Follow-up, thematic analysis highlighted widespread club concern around funding/cost, awareness, availability of practitioners and AED training. The proportion of clubs not adhering overall compliance with Regulation 9 of the RFU is concerning for player welfare, and an overhaul, nationally, is required.

Sports performers' perspectives on facilitating thriving in professional rugby contexts

Abstract Objectives The desire and apparent ‘need’ to succeed can drive a win-at-all-costs mentality in individuals who operate in sport. This approach has given rise to environments where the pursuit of high-level performance has been at the expense of athlete welfare. To redress this balance and to inform the creation and maintenance of sporting environments that promote both high performance and athlete well-being, we sought to (i) provide an exploration of the environmental factors that may promote player thriving in professional sport, and (ii) offer suggestions for how key stakeholders can support these mechanisms. Design A qualitative research methodology underpinned by ontological relativism and epistemological constructionism. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 players from an English professional rugby union club. Results Thematic analysis generated thirteen factors that players perceived to promote thriving. These factors were underpinned by two general ideas: (i) Establishing Bonds between Teammates and (ii) Establishing a Connection to the Coaching Staff and the Club. Conclusions The findings provide the first insight into the type of environment professional rugby players believe can facilitate their development and sporting success. The factors generated in the analysis highlight the players’ desire to operate within an integrated, inclusive, and trusting environment, and a variety of suggestions are forwarded for how this can be achieved. To promote thriving in a professional sport that requires emotion and passion to succeed on the pitch, it appears that rugby union organizations must appeal to the sensitivities and welfare of players off it.

Epidemiology of Injury in Elite English Schoolboy Rugby Union: A 3-Year Study Comparing Different Competitions.

Injury risks in professional and community rugby union have been extensively described; however, less is known about injury epidemiology at the schoolboy level. To investigate the injury risk in English schoolboy rugby union matches, comparing an elite competition (Achieving Academic and Sporting Excellence [AASE]) with subelite matches (non-AASE). Retrospective cohort study. Rugby union academy, consisting of 16- to 19-year-old males, based at an elite sports college in England. A total of 132 participants (mean age = 17.5 years) were included in the study; 64 athletes experienced a total of 103 time-loss injuries over a 3-season period (2012-2015). All injuries were assessed and recorded by the team therapist using consensus statement definitions. Injury characteristics were recorded and compared between groups. Primary outcome measures were injury incidence (per 1000 h match exposure) and injury burden (days absent/1000 h), and rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals are presented throughout. A total of 131 matches were played (34 AASE, 97 non-AASE) and a total of 103 injuries were recorded (47 AASE, 56 non-AASE). The injury incidence in AASE matches (77/1000 h) was greater than in non-AASE matches (34/1000 h). The concussion incidence in AASE matches (20/1000 h) was 5 times that of non-AASE matches (4/1000 h). The head/face had the highest injury incidence for a specific location, followed by the shoulder region (AASE = 19/1000 h, non-AASE = 5/1000 h), which had the greatest injury burden (553/1000 h and 105/1000 h, respectively) for any specific body location. More than 50% of all injuries were associated with tackles. A much greater incidence of all injuries occurred at the highest level of competition, and the concussion incidence was greater than that reported in any previously published study of youth rugby. Given the high incidence and burden of concussions and shoulder injuries, prevention and management deserve specific focus.

The organised chaos of English adolescent rugby union: Influence of weekly match frequency on the variability of match and training loads

The aims of this study were to determine the variability of weekly match and training loads in adolescent rugby union players across a competitive season, and to investigate the effect of match frequency on load distribution across different activities. Internal match and training load data (i.e. session-rating of perceived exertion (sRPE)) were collected daily from 20 players from a regional academy across a 14-week season. Data were analysed using a mixed-effects linear model, and variability was reported as a coefficient of variation (CV). Differences between 0-, 1-, 2-, and 3-match weeks were assessed using Cohen’s d effect sizes and magnitude-based inferences. Mean weekly total match and training sRPE load was 1425 ± 545 arbitrary units (AU), with a between-player CV of 10 ± 6% and within-player CV of 37 ± 3%. Mean week-to-week change in total sRPE load was 497 ± 423 AU (35%), and 40% of weekly observations were outside the suggested acute:chronic workload ratio ‘safe zone’. Total weekly sRPE loads increased substantially with match frequency (1210 ± 571, 1511 ± 489, and 1692 ± 517 AU, for 0-, 1-, and 2-match weeks, respectively), except for 3-match weeks (1520 ± 442 AU). Weekly match and training loads were highly variable for adolescent rugby players during the competitive season, and match frequency has a substantial effect on the distribution of loads. Therefore, match and training loads should be coordinated, monitored, and managed on an individual basis to protect players from negative training consequences, and to promote long-term athlete development.

Different shaped ball, same financial problems? A holistic performance assessment of English Rugby Union (2006-2015)

PurposeRugby union’s late move to professionalism in 1995 has led to concerns about the financial development of the game. The purpose of this paper is to extend the knowledge base on professional team sports in the UK by analysing the financial and sporting performance of rugby union clubs.Design/methodology/approachData were obtained by dissecting the annual accounts of nine English Premiership rugby clubs between 2006 and 2015. Analysis was performed using the performance assessment model, which analyses both financial and sporting areas of performance and is devised through statistical analysis procedures to provide a holistic measure of overall performance for each club.FindingsThere is financial disparity amongst clubs that has widened over the period of the study. In terms of sporting performance, the data suggest that competition is more equal, something that is less evident in other UK professional team sports such as football and rugby league. Correlation analysis reveals that overall performance varies over time in cycles.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has implications for the clubs competing in the English Premiership and for the league organisers themselves, particularly with reference to regulatory procedures such as raising the salary cap and increased broadcasting deals.Originality/valueThe paper has demonstrated the importance of balancing multiple performance objectives in professional team sports and has expanded the academic discussion on the financial health of professional team sports in the UK, particularly with reference to the financial health of rugby union where research has historically been scarce.

Dietary Intakes of Elite 14- to 19-Year-Old English Academy Rugby Players During a Pre-Season Training Period

Good nutrition is essential for the physical development of adolescent athletes, however data on dietary intakes of adolescent rugby players are lacking. This study quantified and evaluated dietary intake in 87 elite male English academy rugby league (RL) and rugby union (RU) players by age (under 16 (U16) and under 19 (U19) years old) and code (RL and RU). Relationships of intakes with body mass and composition (sum of 8 skinfolds) were also investigated. Using 4-day diet and physical activity diaries, dietary intake was compared with adolescent sports nutrition recommendations and the UK national food guide. Dietary intake did not differ by code, whereas U19s consumed greater energy (3366 ± 658 vs. 2995 ± 774 kcal·day-1), protein (207 ± 49 vs. 150 ± 53 g·day-1) and fluid (4221 ± 1323 vs. 3137 ± 1015 ml·day-1) than U16s. U19s consumed a better quality diet than U16s (greater intakes of fruit and vegetables; 4.4 ± 1.9 vs. 2.8 ± 1.5 servings·day-1; nondairy proteins; 3.9 ± 1.1 vs. 2.9 ± 1.1 servings·day-1) and less fats and sugars (2.0 ± 1. vs. 3.6 ± 2.1 servings·day-1). Protein intake vs. body mass was moderate (r = .46, p < .001), and other relationships were weak. The findings of this study suggest adolescent rugby players consume adequate dietary intakes in relation to current guidelines for energy, macronutrient and fluid intake. Players should improve the quality of their diet by replacing intakes from the fats and sugars food group with healthier choices, while maintaining current energy, and macronutrient intakes.

Anthropometric, Sprint, and High-Intensity Running Profiles of English Academy Rugby Union Players by Position.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anthropometric, sprint, and high-intensity running profiles of English academy rugby union players by playing positions, and to investigate the relationships between anthropometric, sprint, and high-intensity running characteristics. Data were collected from 67 academy players after the off-season period and consisted of anthropometric (height, body mass, sum of 8 skinfolds [∑SF]), 40-m linear sprint (5-, 10-, 20-, and 40-m splits), the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IRTL-1), and the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15 IFT). Forwards displayed greater stature, body mass, and ∑SF; sprint times and sprint momentum, with lower high-intensity running ability and sprint velocities than backs. Comparisons between age categories demonstrated body mass and sprint momentum to have the largest differences at consecutive age categories for forwards and backs; whereas 20-40-m sprint velocity was discriminate for forwards between under 16s, 18s, and 21s. Relationships between anthropometric, sprint velocity, momentum, and high-intensity running ability demonstrated body mass to negatively impact on sprint velocity (10 m; r = -0.34 to -0.46) and positively affect sprint momentum (e.g., 5 m; r = 0.85-0.93), with large to very large negative relationships with the Yo-Yo IRTL-1 (r = -0.65 to -0.74) and 30-15 IFT (r = -0.59 to -0.79). These findings suggest that there are distinct anthropometric, sprint, and high-intensity running ability differences between and within positions in junior rugby union players. The development of sprint and high-intensity running ability may be impacted by continued increases in body mass as there seems to be a trade-off between momentum, velocity, and the ability to complete high-intensity running.

Psychobehaviorally Based Features of Effective Talent Development in Rugby Union: A Coach’s Perspective

Talent development (TD) is widely recognized as a nonlinear and dynamic process, with psychology a key determinant of long-term success in sport. However, given the role that positive characteristics play in the TD process, there is a relative dearth of research examining the psychological characteristics that may derail development. A retrospective qualitative investigation was conducted with academy coaches and directors within rugby union (n = 15), representing nine different elite English rugby union academies, to identify both positive and negative issues that influenced TD. Comprehensive support was found for existing positive constructs as facilitators of effective development. A range of inappropriately applied ‘positive’ characteristics were identified as having a negative impact on development. Potential clinical issues were also recognized by coaches as talent derailers. It is proposed that by incorporating these potentially negative factors into existing formative assessment tools, a more effective development process can be achieved.