Rugby League Players Research Articles

Concussion Reporting and Knowledge of Australian Semi-Professional Female Rugby League Players

Concussion Reporting and Knowledge of Australian Semi-Professional Female Rugby League Players

Magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder in symptomatic professional rugby players: a retrospective analysis.

Shoulder injuries in rugby players are common due to frequent high-impact collisions and tackles. This study aimed to describe the spectrum and pattern of shoulder MRI findings in professional rugby players. Single-center retrospective study of shoulder MRI was carried out between 2012 and 2016 in symptomatic professional male rugby league and rugby union players. One hundred ten shoulder MRIs were scored for rotator cuff and long head of biceps tendons, labral, bursal, joint, and osseous abnormalities. MRI features were compared using the chi-square or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables. There were a total of one hundred ten professional male rugby players (80 rugby league and 30 rugby union), with a mean age of 24.6 (range 17-38) and 23.7 (range 17-33) years old, respectively. Rotator cuff or long head biceps abnormality was found in 36 (33%) players, of which 22 (20%) were either partial or full-thickness tears. Glenoid labral tears were present in 63 (57%) players. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the frequency of tears of the superior (24%), anterior inferior (25%), posterior superior (25%), and posterior inferior (32%) labrum. Forty-seven percent of players presented with two or more abnormalities of the rotator cuff tendons and glenoid labrum. There were significantly more osseous abnormalities in backs compared to forwards (48% vs. 21%; p = 0.01). There is a wide spectrum of shoulder abnormalities on MRI in professional rugby players, and many have two or more abnormalities. In common with other contact sports, posterior labral injury was a common finding and may relate to sub-clinical trauma, without an association with instability.

The Impact of Pressure Training on the Performance of Semi-Professional Female Rugby League Players.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of pressure training on the performance of semi-professional female rugby league athletes. Using a within-subjects design, 16 female athletes (19.9 ± 3.4 years) performed a passing accuracy task under three conditions; (1) a control condition; (2) a physiological fatigue condition; and (3) a threat of consequence condition. Passing performance, perceived pressure, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and self-confidence were assessed. A significant main effect of conditions was found for rate of perceived exertion (p < 0.001), self-confidence (p < 0.028), and perceived pressure (p = 0.011). There was no main effect of condition on passing performance. Post hoc comparisons revealed that RPE was significantly higher in the physiological fatigue condition when compared to the control (p = 0.009) and threat of consequence conditions (p < 0.001). Perceived pressure was significantly higher in the threat of consequence condition compared to the control condition (p = 0.037). The main findings of this study are that (1) passing performance was not impacted by pressure training conditions, and (2) threats of consequences are an effective manipulation to generate pressure in female semi-professional rugby league players. These results offer nuanced insights into the impact of pressure generation in training environments for female semi-professional rugby league athletes.

The application of match-event and instrumented mouthguard data to inform match limits: An example using rugby union Premiership and rugby league Super League data from England.

The study aimed to illustrate how contact (from match-event data) and head acceleration event (HAE) (from instrumented mouthguard [iMG]) data can be combined to inform match limits within rugby. Match-event data from one rugby union and rugby league season, including all competitive matches involving players from the English Premiership and Super League, were used. Playing exposure was summarised as full game equivalents (FGE; total minutes played/80). Expected contact and HAE exposures at arbitrary thresholds were estimated using match-event and iMG data. Generalised linear models were used to identify differences in contact and HAE exposure per FGE. For 30 FGEs, forwards had greater contact than backs in rugby union (n=1272 vs. 618) and league (n=1569 vs. 706). As HAE magnitude increased, the differences between positional groups decreased (e.g., rugby union; n=34 and 22 HAE >40g for forwards and backs playing 30 FGEs). Currently, only a relatively small proportion of rugby union (2.5%) and league (7.3%) players exceeded 25 FGEs. Estimating contact and HAEs per FGE allows policymakers to prospectively plan and model estimated overall and position-specific loads over a season and longer term. Reducing FGE limits by a small amount would currently only affect contact and HAE exposure for a small proportion of players who complete the most minutes. This may be beneficial for this cohort but is not an effective HAE and contact exposure reduction strategy at a population level, which requires individual player management. Given the positional differences, FGE limits should exist to manage appropriate HAE and contact exposure.

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.

The use of match-based exact movement activities to classify elite rugby league players into positional groups

AbstractThe cluster analysis of elite rugby league players identified groups of distinct playing positions that can be referred to as broad positional groups. However, the identified positional groups were based on traditional indicators (physical and technical–tactical) that provided no information about the exact match-based movement activities that led to such similarity grouping and the classification of elite rugby league players into these broad positional groups remains unexplored. Hence, this study finds the best model to classify elite rugby league players into positional groups, using data characterised by movement patterns to uncover the similar movement activities of distinct playing positions within a positional group. Key movement patterns for the positional group classification and differences between the groups were also investigated. A total of 18,173 unique movement patterns were derived from 422 players’ GPS data across the 2019 and 2020 seasons, where only 36 were identified as key patterns. The highest classification accuracy of 77.58% using all unique patterns and 74.5% accuracy using the key patterns was achieved, outperforming studies that used traditional indicators. Further analyses based on key patterns revealed differences between forwards and backs. These findings establish movement patterns as viable indicators to classify rugby league players into positional groups, enabling coaches and trainers to develop position-specific training programmes that cater to the unique physical demands of each position, leading to better player development and team performance. Movement patterns are therefore recommended as an alternative approach to quantifying players’ external loads and obtaining granular information.

Non-reporting of sport-related concussion symptoms: a cross-sectional study of community rugby league players in the UK

Recognising and removing players with suspected sport-related concussions is crucial for community sports.ObjectivesQuantify rates and factors associated with non-reporting of concussion symptoms in community rugby league.MethodsOverall, 484 community rugby league...

Seasonal Muscular Power Changes: Considerations of Concurrent Resistance and Field-Based Training in Professional Rugby League.

Redman, KJ, Wade, L, Whitley, R, Connick, MJ, Kelly, VG, and Beckman, EM. Seasonal muscular power changes: considerations of concurrent resistance and field-based training in professional rugby league. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1620-1626, 2024-A rugby league player's ability to develop or maintain lower-body power will be significantly influenced by the resistance and field-based training loads completed. This study aimed to examine the power changes across a rugby league season and to investigate the relationship of concurrent training and training experience on power changes. Eighteen rugby league players participated in this study. Lower-body power was evaluated using a countermovement jump throughout the season. Four measures of external training loads were collected. A Friedman's test was used to assess differences in power throughout different phases of the season. A series of Spearman's rank-order correlations were conducted to assess the relationship between percentage changes in power during the training block, external training loads, and training experience. Countermovement jump peak velocity significantly decreased from the start ( p = 0.006) and end of pre-season ( p = 0.022) to the late competition. Correlation analysis revealed a large significant association between early competition field-based external loads (relative ( rs = -0.571) and total distance ( rs = -0.628)) and change in peak power. Very large significant negative relationships were also observed between mid-competition volume load with change in peak force ( rs = -0.825) and peak power ( rs = -0.736). Training experience was not significantly associated with changes in muscular power variables throughout this study. Coaches should seek to monitor changes in peak power when competition begins and to assist with decision-making for potential adjustments to running volume and intensity during field-based sessions.

Concussion-Related Biomarker Variations in Retired Rugby Players and Implications for Neurodegenerative Disease Risk: The UK Rugby Health Study.

The health and well-being of retired rugby union and league players, particularly regarding the long-term effects of concussions, are of major concern. Concussion has been identified as a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), in athletes engaged in contact sports. This study aimed to assess differences in specific biomarkers between UK-based retired rugby players with a history of concussion and a non-contact sports group, focusing on biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's, ALS, and CTE. We randomly selected a sample of male retired rugby or non-contact sport athletes (n = 56). The mean age was 41.84 ± 6.44, and the mean years since retirement from the sport was 7.76 ± 6.69 for participants with a history of substantial concussions (>5 concussions in their career) (n = 30). The mean age was 45.75 ± 11.52, and the mean years since retirement was 6.75 ± 4.64 for the healthy controls (n = 26). Serum biomarkers (t-tau, RBP-4, SAA, Nf-L, and retinol), plasma cytokines, and biomarkers associated with serum-derived exosomes (Aβ42, p-tau181, p-tau217, and p-tau231) were analyzed using validated commercial ELISA assays. The results of the selected biomarkers were compared between the two groups. Biomarkers including t-tau and p-tau181 were significantly elevated in the history of the substantial concussion group compared to the non-contact sports group (t-tau: p < 0.01; p-tau181: p < 0.05). Although between-group differences in p-tau217, p-tau231, SAA, Nf-L, retinol, and Aβ42 were not significantly different, there was a trend for higher levels of Aβ42, p-tau217, and p-tau231 in the concussed group. Interestingly, the serum-derived exosome sizes were significantly larger (p < 0.01), and serum RBP-4 levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the highly concussed group. These findings indicate that retired athletes with a history of multiple concussions during their careers have altered serum measurements of exosome size, t-tau, p-tau181, and RBP-4. These biomarkers should be explored further for the prediction of future neurodegenerative outcomes, including ALS, in those with a history of concussion.

Validation of field-based running tests to determine maximal aerobic speed in professional rugby league.

Practitioners place importance on high-speed running (HSR) to monitor training practice and match-play demands, whilst attempting to maximise fitness and minimize the risk of injury occurrence. Practitioners apply various methods to quantify HSR, such as absolute thresholds, percentage of maximum sprint speed and maximal aerobic speed (MAS). A recent survey demonstrates the 5-minute run and 1200m shuttle test (ST) to be implemented among rugby league practitioners to quantify HSR by incorporating MAS. However, it is unclear as to how valid these methods are to accurately quantify MAS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the validity of the 5-minute run and 1200m ST when compared to a gold standard measure for MAS. Twenty 1st team professional rugby league players competing in the European Super League participated in this study. Players were required to complete an incremental treadmill test, 5-minute run and 1200m ST over a two-week period in pre-season. MAS, peak heart rate (HRmax), peak lactate (Lapeak) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) where collected upon completion of each test. Results demonstrated the 1200m ST to have a higher correlation for MAS than the 5-minute run (1200m ST: r = 0.73, 5-minute run: r = 0.64). However, when assessing validity using the level of agreement between data, the 5-minute run underreported MAS by 0.45 m·s-1 whereas the 1200m ST underreported MAS by 0.77 m·s-1. Ultimately, both field-based tests used in this study underreport MAS when compared to an incremental treadmill test, although the 5-minute run provides a closer agreement and therefore a more valid measurement for MAS than the 1200m ST.

A - 18 Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-5th Edition (SCAT5) Normative Reference Values for Professional Men’s Rugby League Players

Abstract Purpose The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-5th Edition (SCAT5) is a standardized assessment that is administered to athletes at preseason and after suspected concussion. We provide normative reference values for men’s professional National Rugby League (NRL) players. Method Baseline SCAT5 scores were obtained from 1005 NRL players during the 2018 and 2019 seasons (Mage = 25.9). Players self-identified whether they considered their cultural heritage or ethnicity to be “Pasifika (Pacific Islander) or Māori” (n = 243; 24.2%) or “Indigenous Australian” (n = 82; 8.2%). Those who identified as being from any other race, ethnicity, or cultural heritage were combined into a single group (n = 680; 67.7%). We provide normative values for the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC), Symptom Evaluation (i.e., symptom severity and symptom number), and the Modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS). Results There were no significant differences between the cultural heritage or ethnicity groups for SAC total scores, symptom severity or number, or mBESS errors (p’s &amp;gt; 0.05). The median SAC score was 27 (IQR = 25–28), median symptom severity was 0 (IQR = 0–2), median symptom number was 0 (IQR = 0–1), and median mBESS error score was 3 (IQR = 1–5). SAC scores of &amp;lt;23 and mBESS errors &amp;gt;7 were uncommon in the sample while SAC scores of 26–30 and mBESS scores of 0–4 were considered within normal expectations (WNE). Reporting &amp;gt;4/22 symptoms and &amp;gt; 6/132 severity was uncommon while 0–1 symptoms and 0–1 symptom severity was WNE. Conclusions Normative reference values for the SCAT5 are provided for a sample of elite professional men’s rugby league players from Australia.

Time to level the playing field between men and women — Given similar injury incidence: A two-season analysis of match injuries in elite men and women's (Super League) rugby league

ObjectivesTo compare match injury incidence, severity and burden in men's and women's elite rugby league. DesignA prospective cohort epidemiological study. MethodsTime loss match injury data were collected from all men's (11,301 exposure hours) and women's (5,244 exposure hours) Super League clubs. ResultsInjury incidence and burden were not different between men and women (mean [95 % CI]; 54 [45 to 65] vs. 60 [49 to 74] per 1000 match-hours; p = 0.39, and 2332 [1844 to 2951] vs. 1951 [1560 to 2440] days lost per 1000 match-hours; p = 0.26). However, injury severity was greater for men than women (42 [35–50] vs. 35 [29 to 42]; p = 0.01). Lower limbs accounted for 54 % and 52 % of injuries for men and women, with the head/face the most frequently injured location due to concussion (12 [10 to 15] and 10 [8 to 14] per 1000 match-hours for men and women). Injuries to the knee had the greatest burden for men and women (708 [268–1868] and 863 [320–2328] days lost per 1000 match-hours). Being tackled was the most common injury mechanism for men and women (28 % and 38 %) with greater burden (p < 0.01) than other injury mechanisms. ConclusionsMale and female rugby league players have similar injury incidence and burden; however, injury severity was higher in men. Head/face injuries have the highest injury incidence and knee injuries have the highest burden. These injuries should be the focus for prevention initiatives at a league (via laws), player, and coach level, with equal and specific focus for both men's and women's rugby league players.

Validity, reliability, and the contributing physical characteristics of a modified 15m prone Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level-1 test in elite female rugby league players.

This study aims to establish the validity and reliability of the prone Yo-YoIRL1 in elite female rugby league players (part one) and determine the anthropometric and physical characteristics contributing to 15m prone Yo-YoIRL1 performance (part two). Part one, 21 subjects completed one Yo-YoIRL1, one 20m and two 15m prone Yo-YoIRL1 tests over four sessions, with 7-14 days in-between. Part two, ten subjects completed a testing battery, including body mass, height, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, isometric mid-thigh pull, isometric bench-press, 10m and 20m sprints and an incremental treadmill test ([Formula: see text]). The 15m prone YoYoIRL1 demonstrated poor reliability with a typical error of 68m (21%) and a smallest worthwhile change of 54m (9%). Validity analysis found the prone versions of the YoYoIRL1 were not sensitive measures of intermittent running performance. Both prone YoYoIRL1 test distances demonstrated large mean bias (76% and -37% respectively) and typical error of the estimate (19% and 21%, respectively) in comparison to the YoYoIRL1. Body mass (r = -0.89), lean mass (r = -0.64), body fat % (r = -0.68), [Formula: see text] (l∙min-1) (r = -0.64), IMTP (r = -0.69), IBP (r = -0.15), 10m (r = -0.77) and 20m (r = -0.72) momentum displayed large negative relationships with 15m prone Yo-YoIRL1 performance. Due to the poor validity of the 20m prone YoYoIRL1, the poor validity and reliability of the 15m prone YoYoIRL1, and the anthropometric and physical characteristics which negatively impact performance, practitioners should reconsider the use of the prone YoYoIRL1 test to monitor high intensity intermittent running performance.

Play Well Triple P: Developing and Evaluating a Program to Promote Positive Parental Involvement in Junior Sport.

Parents play a central role in children's ongoing participation and enjoyment of sport. Despite compelling evidence that parental behaviour can undermine the quality of children's experiences in sport, little research has examined whether strategies to support parents to engage in positive sports parenting behaviour are effective. In this paper, we report two studies that had the overall aim of developing, implementing and evaluating a program designed to promote positive parental involvement and improve spectator behaviour in junior rugby league in Australia. Study 1 involved the development of a prototype version of the program, named Play Well Triple P, which was qualitatively evaluated through interviews with 19 parents about their satisfaction with the program. In Study 2, we used feedback from Study 1 to refine the program and develop a pilot version, which was then evaluated in a quasi-experimental feasibility study with 101 parents (mean age = 38.42 years; 72% mothers) of junior rugby league players. The pilot version involved one interactive online module and text messages to reinforce content and prompt strategy implementation across the season. Participation in Play Well Triple P was associated with increased positive sports parenting behaviour and reduced controlling and intrusive sports parenting behaviour, with a trend towards reducing over-reactive parenting practices at home. These findings are discussed in relation to the feasibility of implementing a brief and engaging sports parenting intervention in the context of a broader integrated system designed to facilitate ongoing participation of children in sport.

Nutrition knowledge, body image and food security risk amongst development rugby league players.

This study aimed to describe the nutrition knowledge, food security risk and eating disorder risk of development male rugby league players. Sixty athletes from one Australian professional rugby league club volunteered. A cross sectional online survey questionnaire consisted of three sections (Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI-3), Nutrition Knowledge and Food Security). All athletes completed the online survey without assistance using a personal electronic device. The mean total knowledge score was 65.7±13.1%. There was a positive relationship between age and knowledge score, P=0.050, r2=0.06. The majority of players had breakfast everyday (N.=45, 73.8%), took pack lunches (N.=33, 55.0%), and had homemade evening meals (N.=55, 91.7%). The majority of players ate more than 1 hour before training (N.=45, 75%) and all players (n=60, 100%) ate within half an hour of training finishing. The majority of participants agreed that nutrition could influence physical and cognitive aspects of nutrition however, skill-based activities were perceived by fewer participants to be influenced by nutrition. The majority (N.=38, 63.3%) had high food security, six (10.0%) had marginal food security, whereas 10 (16.7%) and six (10.0%) had low and very low security respectively. These results show a concerning levels of eating disorder risk, food insecurity and poor nutrition knowledge amongst male development rugby league players. However, it does show that they believe nutrition can impact their health and performance, and they do mostly appear to adhere to the nutrition principals for optimising health and performance.

Positional Differences in Decision-Making Situations during Professional Rugby League Match-Play.

The aim of this study was to explore the types and frequency of decision-making situations of rugby league players during defensive situations and examine whether they were predictive of key performance indicators (KPI). Fifteen elite rugby league matches were coded using notational analysis methods. Specific defensive situations were analysed, including the number of: one-on-one situations with an opposing attacker (1-on-1), two-on-one situations (2-on-1), and combined 1-on-1 and 2-on-1 situations (i.e., total decisions; TDs). There was no relationship between the game outcome and game KPIs for TDs or 1-on-1 decision-making situations. However, successful tackles and missed tackles were predictive of 2-on-1 decision-making situations. Positional differences revealed that back rowers were exposed to the greatest number of decision-making situations, while wingers had the lowest exposure. The total number of decisions and the number of 1-on-1 decisions made by the centres and wingers were significant predictors of line breaks. Additionally, 2-on-1 decisions were significant predictors of line breaks for backrowers. The findings of this study suggest that the type and frequency of decision-making situations in Rugby League are position specific. Practical applications for coaches are discussed to ensure that practice approaches are representative of the various defensive decision-making demands players experience during a game, based on their position.

Longitudinal changes in anthropometric, physiological, and physical qualities of international women's rugby league players.

This is the first study to assess longitudinal changes in anthropometric, physiological, and physical qualities of international women's rugby league players. Thirteen forwards and 11 backs were tested three times over a 10-month period. Assessments included: standing height and body mass, body composition measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), a blood panel, resting metabolic rate (RMR) assessed by indirect calorimetry, aerobic capacity (i.e.,[Formula: see text]) evaluated by an incremental treadmill test, and isometric force production measured by a force plate. During the pre-season phase, lean mass increased significantly by ~2% for backs (testing point 1: 47 kg; testing point 2: 48 kg) and forwards (testing point 1: 50 kg; testing point 2: 51 kg) (p = ≤ 0.05). Backs significantly increased their [Formula: see text] by 22% from testing point 1 (40 ml kg-1 min-1) to testing point 3 (49 ml kg-1 min-1) (p = ≤ 0.04). The [Formula: see text] of forwards increased by 10% from testing point 1 (41 ml kg-1 min-1) to testing point 3 (45 ml kg-1 min-1), however this change was not significant (p = ≥ 0.05). Body mass (values represent the range of means across the three testing points) (backs: 68 kg; forwards: 77-78 kg), fat mass percentage (backs: 25-26%; forwards: 30-31%), resting metabolic rate (backs: 7 MJ day-1; forwards: 7 MJ day-1), isometric mid-thigh pull (backs: 2106-2180 N; forwards: 2155-2241 N), isometric bench press (backs: 799-822 N; forwards: 999-1024 N), isometric prone row (backs: 625-628 N; forwards: 667-678 N) and bloods (backs: ferritin 21-29 ug/L, haemoglobin 137-140 g/L, iron 17-21 umol/L, transferrin 3 g/L, transferring saturation 23-28%; forwards: ferritin 31-33 ug/L, haemoglobin 141-145 g/L, iron 20-23 umol/L, transferrin 3 g/L, transferrin saturation 26-31%) did not change (p = ≥ 0.05). This study provides novel longitudinal data which can be used to better prepare women rugby league players for the unique demands of their sport, underpinning female athlete health.

Need a break? The locomotor and tackle pacing profile and loads of women’s rugby league match-play following various between-match turnaround durations

ABSTRACT Objectives The study investigated the locomotor and tackle pacing profile and loads of female rugby league players following various between-match turnaround durations. Specifically, the study examined the (1) pacing of locomotor and tackle loads across the time-course of a match and; (2) whole-match and peak locomotor and tackle loads of match-play. Methods Microtechnology data were collected from elite female rugby league players (n = 172) representing all National Rugby League Women’s teams (n = 6 teams) across two seasons. Players were categorised into backs, adjustables, forwards or interchange players. Data was calculated for the whole-match (m), per minute (m.min−1) and peak (running: m.min−1; acceleration: m.s−2) locomotor and tackle loads (number and efficiency (%)) of match-play. The pacing as well as the locomotor and tackle loads of match-play were examined following short (≤6 days), normal (7 days) or long (≥8 days) turnarounds. Results The pacing profile of playing positions varied across short, normal and long match turnarounds. Trivial to moderate differences existed in the whole-match, per minute and peak locomotor loads across match turnaround durations (effect size ≤ 1.2). Conclusions Following various between-match turnaround durations (i.e., short, normal and long match turnarounds), there were variations in the locomotor and tackle pacing profile and loads whereby, the pacing profile of positional groups was more affected than the load profile. The findings can be used in applied settings to guide the recovery strategies and training plans of female rugby league players to optimise performance and wellbeing across various match turnaround durations.

ANTHROPOMETRIC AND PHYSICAL QUALITIES OF SEMI-PROFESSIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYERS

AIM The aim of the current study was to investigate the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of semi-professional rugby league players across a typical season, including pre- and post-season data. METHODS Thirty-five semi-professional rugby league players, mean age 25.38 ± 2.35 years were measured for height, body mass, sum of skinfolds, and speed (20m sprint). Global positioning system (GPS) data, sampling at 10 Hz, were collected, two pre-season and eighteen Queensland Cup rugby league matches in the 2023 season for 10 players (backs and forwards). Data was categorized into total distance (km), sprint distance (m), power plays, energy expenditure (kcal), player load, and top speed (m/s). RESULTS Compared with forwards the backs had significantly lower body mass (99.4kg vs 90.8kg), and significantly greater speed during 20m sprint (3.00 vs 3.1sec). Sum of skinfolds, no differences between backs and forwards across the three time points, 104.2 vs 106.2mm, 103.9 vs 110.9mm and 93.8 vs 108.1mm. Reviewing the GPS data across the trial and cup games revealed a number of significant differences between backs and forwards, backs greater overall distance (6.63km vs 5.26km), sprint distance (467.53 vs 264.63m), power plays (37 vs 25), energy expenditure (1002.42 vs 778.90 kcal), player load (311.50 vs 275.16), top speed (8.02 vs 7.02m/s). CONCLUSION Retrospective analysis of our data has allowed us to understand the activity demands between match types and differences in activity demands between seasonal phases of training in semi-professional male rugby league players and will permit further specificity of training and improve performance. Determining the fitness and physiological profiles and how they relate to training and match demands will allow the coaching staff to develop more targeted training strategies in order to optimally develop the fitness characteristics that predominantly underpin match demands.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE SUBJECTIVE TRAINING QUALITY SCALE FOR TEAM SPORTS SCALE

INTRODUCTION &amp; AIMS In team sports, training is strategically designed to incorporate all training factors (i.e., physical, technical, tactical, mental) to improve an athlete’s performance during competition. The ultimate goal is for individual athletes to work together as a cohesive unit to complete training objectives and train at high quality. Although anecdotal, training quality is considered a key component in the training process. However, there is currently no team sport literature that has defined this construct. Nor a validated measurement instrument available to assess the quality of team sport training. Therefore, the present study developed the Subjective Training Quality for Team Sports (STQ-TS) scale. Furthermore, this study investigated the application of this scale within the context of a professional National Rugby League (NRL) team. METHODS Eleven rugby league players (24 ± 2 y; 62 ± 47 NRL games) were interviewed to explore how they define and assess training quality. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interview transcripts. The identified themes were used to develop a preliminary STQ-TS scale. The STQ-TS scale was completed by forty-two NRL players across two seasons. RESULTS Four themes were identified for the STQ-TS scale. These themes included physical, technical, mental, and teamwork (i.e., communication; connectedness). Players perceived pre-season training to be lower quality compared to in-season. In-season training quality showed a gradual improvement throughout both seasons, reaching its peak late in the season. CONCLUSION Professional rugby league players perceive training quality as their ability to complete physical, technical, mental, and teamwork objectives. The STQ-TS scale serves as a valuable tool for practitioners to assess training quality in team sports. The integration of the STQ-TS scale with external load, internal load, and athlete response measures can provide practitioners with a more nuanced and holistic understanding of the training process.