Rugby Sevens Research Articles

A comparison of head impact characteristics during elite men’s Rugby Union fifteens and sevens match play

Different forms of rugby may pose distinct risks to head injury. Video of rugby match footage was analyzed using head impact magnitude, frequency, and time interval for 15s and 7s athletes. Impacts were reconstructed in laboratory, and finite element modeling was used to estimate maximum principal strain. No difference was found in impact frequency or time interval between the two forms. Significantly more head impacts of higher severity levels were documented during 7s. These findings provide objective comparisons between 7s and 15s which may guide risk mitigation strategies in managing brain trauma for specific forms of rugby.

Predicting Athlete Workload in Women's Rugby Sevens Using GNSS Sensor Data, Contact Count and Mass.

The use of session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) as a measure of workload is a popular athlete load monitoring tool. However, the nature of sRPE means the contribution of salient, sport-specific factors to athlete load in field sports is challenging to isolate and quantify. In rugby sevens, drivers of load include high-speed running and physical contact. In soccer and men's rugby, union acceleration/deceleration also influences load. These metrics are evaluated using data from global navigation satellite system (GNSS) sensors worn by athletes. Research suggests that sensor data methods for identifying load in men's rugby do not accurately quantify female athlete loads. This investigation examined how mass, contact, and accelerations and decelerations at different speeds contribute to load in women's rugby sevens. The study evaluated 99 international matches, using data from 19 full-time athletes. GNSS measures, RPE, athlete mass, and contact count were evaluated using a linear mixed-model regression. The model demonstrated significant effects for low decelerations at low and high speeds, mass, distance, and contact count explaining 48.7% of the global variance of sRPE. The use of acceleration/deceleration and speed from GNSS sensors alongside mass, as well as contact count, presents a novel approach to quantifying load.

The opportunities and challenges of utilising collaborative action research for coaching within Hong Kong China rugby sevens

ABSTRACT Background Despite Rugby sevens being an Olympic sport there is a paucity of research on how to coach it. For an emerging sevens nation like Hong Kong, where participant numbers are limited, the quality of coaching is a key area to focus upon to enhance performance. Methods Over a 12-week period, the aim of this study was to utilise collaborative action research (CAR) with four professional coaches (including myself) within a professional rugby sevens environment to develop coaching practice. The data generated over four action research cycles included focus groups, observations, and reflective diaries. Findings Through CAR the coaches in this study became more conscious of their delivery during practice, namely their individual and collective feedback, being more deliberate in the planning of and reflecting upon their practice, and more aware of how to collaborate effectively. The key challenges encountered by the coaches were finding appropriate moments to intervene in practice to deliver feedback, a lack of role clarity whilst coaching as a group, and perceived power relations between coaches. Difficulties of my dual role of coach and researcher included the balance of having empathy for the stresses of professional coaching whilst striving to provide rich accounts for research. These challenges posed issues surrounding conflict management and power relations amongst the group of coaches. Conclusion Despite the inevitable challenges of working within a social group, the practical implications from this study suggest CAR can provide coaches with a voice and reposition them as co-creators of actionable knowledge. This study presents some of the realistic challenges and opportunities that adopting a CAR approach can provide to coaches who want to collaboratively improve the quality of their practice.

Internal and external loads in professional women’s Rugby Sevens: analysis of a block-based training session with small games

PurposeThis study aimed to compare internal load (IL) and external load (EL) variables between blocks of a game-based Rugby Sevens training session.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. Twenty-eight professional athletes from the first division of the Brazilian national championship were monitored during a game-based training session, which consisted of varying durations of ball-in-play blocks. The training session comprised 4 blocks of 1 min, 2 blocks of 2 min, and 1 block of 3 min of ball-in-play, with 1-min intervals between blocks of the same duration and 2-min intervals between blocks of different durations.ResultsA reduction in EL was reported during longer bouts of ball-in-play. Specifically, a reduction was observed when comparing block 5 to block 1 (<i>p</i> = 0.021) and when comparing block 7 with blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 for distance per min. For accelerations and decelerations, blocks 5, 6, and 7 showed lower values than block 1 (<i>p</i> = 0.001 and <i>p</i> = 0.005, respectively). Block 4 showed an increase in rate of perceived exertion (RPE) values compared to blocks 1 (<i>p</i> = 0.010) and 2 (<i>p</i> = 0.004). Increased RPE values were also found in block 5 compared to block 1 (<i>p</i> = 0.001), as well as compared to blocks 2 (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and 3 (<i>p</i> = 0.002). RPE in block 7 was higher than in blocks 1, 2, 3, and 4 (<i>p</i> = 0.001).ConclusionsIn summary, higher RPE values were reported across blocks, and IL appeared to be more volume-dependent.

Características Cineantropométricas en Jugadores Profesionales de Rugby Sevens

Introduction: Rugby sevens or 7s is a team sport, descended from rugby 15s or rugby union. It is considered a sport of high intensity and intermittent effort, where positions are very well defined but there is small between-athletes variability of physical characteristics. Objective: The goal of the study was to analyze the anthropometric characteristics, body composition, somatotype and proportionality in players of the Spanish rugby sevens team. Material and methods: Anthropometric variables were evaluated in 16 players in order to obtain information regarding body composition, somatotype and proportionality following the standard techniques proposed by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Results: The data obtained regarding height and weight, muscle percentage (45.05 ± 5.02), bone (16.25 ± 1.72) and fat percentage (7.98 ± 1.32) are comparable to the obtained information of rugby union players who play in the three quarters position. Participants were predominantly classified as balanced mesomorphs, which are characterized by increased skeletal muscle development. Discussion: Body composition as well as somatotype values are similar to other studies results according to elite athletes in intermittent sports that do not require high fat percentages. Conclusion: Despite being tall and with large body mass athletes, their high muscle percentage can provide this type of athlete greater power and speed, necessary to support the high demands of competition in this sport.

Comparison of physical fitness and game demands between young female rugby sevens athletes in different sports development contexts

Aim: This study aimed to compare the physical and game demands among young women rugby sevens athletes inserted in a long-term athlete development process (LTAD) and selected to the national team. Methods: Twenty-four athletes were recruited in two different contexts: thirteen participants were inserted in the LTAD process (VSR) and eleven Brazilian athletes were selected for the youth national team (BRA). One-repetition-maximum tests, jumping performance, sprint times, and aerobic capacity determined the physical performance and GPS recorded the game demands in the national championship. T-tests for independent samples and Mann-Whitney were used to compare the groups, and effect size (ES) was presented using Cohen's d. Results: 10-m sprint time (p = 0.001; ES = 1.47), 30-m sprint time (p = 0.005; ES = 1.42), sprint distance (p = 0.030; ES = 1.14) and distance in zone 5 (p = 0.040; ES = 0.92) showed differences between groups, with better results in BRA. Moreover, VSR athletes covered greater distances in zone 1 while BRA had greater distances in zone 4, with moderate ES. The strength, power of lower limbs, and aerobic fitness variables did not present significant differences between the groups. However, VSR had the highest mean in squat jump and countermovement jump, with moderate ES. Conclusion: Speed in physical tests and game demands differentiated the groups, and these parameters are essential for selection for the national team. However, the LTAD process can bring physical

Investigating the Emergence of Collective States Within Rugby Sevens Gameplay

ABSTRACT Rugby sevens is a small-sided variant of rugby union characterised by fast-moving, high-intensity gameplay and is an example of a team invasion sport, where players work together to achieve a shared goal of attacking and defending as a cohesive unit. The dynamics of such sports can be viewed as self-organizing systems, where individual players form collective patterns without a centralized mechanism of control. Inspired by the analysis of collective movement in animals, this novel study investigates the emergent patterns of order and disorder in sub-elite female rugby sevens using order parameters (typically used to analyse particle systems) to characterize the team’s collective state during different phases of play. The findings demonstrate that defensive gameplay is more ordered, with more compact formations, compared to attacking play, and there is a correlation between alignment/order in player motion and group speed. The work further suggests that the collective states formed differ between sequences of play with different levels of ground gained by the attacking team. These observations provide a sound justification for player training with a focus on cohesive defensive movements to resist disruptions from opposing attackers, while employing attacking tactics that disrupt the cohesion and order of opposing teams.

Four Sessions of Repeated-Sprint Cycling Training With or Without Severe Hypoxia Do Not Modify Overground Running Sprint Force-Velocity Profile.

To investigate the effect of cycling-based repeated-sprint training in hypoxia versus in normoxia on single overground running sprint performance and associated force-velocity (F-V) profile in world-class female rugby sevens players. Eighteen world-class female rugby sevens players were randomly assigned to repeated-sprint cycling training in normobaric hypoxia (n = 9) or normoxia (n = 9) groups. Training consisted of 4 sessions ofrepeated-sprint cycling training in normobaric hypoxiaor in normoxia (4 × 5 × 5-s cycle sprints-25-s intersprint recovery performed in simulated altitude of ∼5000m or in normoxia with 3-min interset rest in normoxia for both groups) in addition to rugby sevens training and strength and conditioning sessions within a 9-day intervention period before an international competition. Before and 1day after the intervention, single 50-m overground running "all-out" sprint performance and associated F-V-related mechanical output were assessed. No interaction (group × time; all P > .088), time effect(before vs 1d after; all P > .296), or group effect(repeated-sprint cycling training in normobaric hypoxia vs in normoxia; all P > .325) was detected for 50-m overground running sprint performance and any derived F-V profiling variables. Four sessions ofrepeated-sprint training either in hypoxia or in normoxia performed over 9days had no influence on single 50-m overground running sprint performance and associated F-V profile. In world-class female rugby sevens players, the intervention (training camp before an international competition) might have been too short to induce measurable changes. It is also plausible that implementing a similar program in players with likely different F-V profile may result in negligible mechanical effect.

Match demands of female team sports: a scoping review.

This scoping review aimed to characterize and quantify the external load demands of professional female team sports, in terms of total distance [TD], moderate-speed [MSR] and high-speed running [HSR], sprint, accelerations [ACC], and decelerations [DEC]. A search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until 15/04/2023. The Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Nonrandomized Studies (RoBANS) was used. Eighty-six articles were eligible for inclusion in this review, with 40 in soccer, 23 in rugby (6 rugby union, 3 rugby league, and 14 rugby sevens), 8 in field hockey, 8 in basketball, 6 in handball, and 1 in futsal. Soccer is the most investigated sport, and players perform ~9500 m TD, of which ~580 m is performed in HSR, and with a great number of ACC, DEC, and sprints. Rugby league and union players cover a greater distance (~5450 m) when compared to rugby sevens (~1550 m); however, rugby sevens is more demanding in terms of high-intensity actions. Field hockey players perform ~5400 m TD with high-intensity and sprint actions. Women's indoor sports are less studied, and basketball players cover ~5300 m TD, of which 7% is performed in MSR. Handball players perform ~3500 m TD and cover ~423 m in MSR and ~141 m in HSR, and futsal players perform ~5 m × min-1 in HSR and they do a great number of high-intensity activities (HSR, ACC, and DEC). Considering the high physical demands experienced by female athletes, professionals could use the present results for training and return to competition schedules.

Reliability, interrelationships, and minimal detectable changes of strength and power metrics among well-trained rugby sevens players.

Despite the importance of strength and power in rugby skills and match outcomes, there exists a noticeable gap in the measurement consistency and estimation of a true change of typical assessments designed to assess these qualities. To address this gap, we investigated the between-session reliability, interrelationships, and minimal detectable changes (MDC) of commonly used strength and power measures in team sports. Sixteen national-level rugby 7 s players were tested on two occasions, one week apart. Both the best and average (of 2-3 trials) peak force, peak power, height, distance, and/or strength indices during countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), plyometric push-up (PPU), and standing long jump (SLJ) were obtained. Furthermore, one-repetition maximum (1RM) strength for bench press and back squat, reactive strength index, and dynamic strength index were also determined. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and coefficients of variation (CV), and used for MDC calculations, and interrelationships between variables were determined using correlation coefficients. Reliability was excellent for bench press, back squat, and SLJ (ICCs > 0.91); high to excellent for IMTP peak force, all CMJ, and DJ (except best DJ height and contact time), and PPU peak force parameters (ICCs > 0.78), with < 10% CVs (except PPU peak power). MDCs were generally smaller for average than best values. Large to very large relationships (r = 0.60 to 0.85) were observed between bench press, back squat, and IMTP with selected parameters of CMJ and PPU (p < 0.05), but not in DJ and SLJ. In conclusion, selected measures of strength and power displayed high to excellent reproducibility, with average values (rather than best) offering more stable assessments, and "smaller" MDCs. Based upon the relationships, it can be inferred that maximising strength would likely contribute to enhanced explosive performance.

A comparison of three different work to rest periods during intermittent sprint training on maintaining sprint effort performance

Background/objectivesTeam sports are characterised by repeated maximal intensity bursts of activity, requiring significant energy contribution from the phosphagen pathways. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different rest periods on repeated maximal intensity efforts. MethodsThe effect of three different recovery periods (60 s, 90 s and 120 s) during a 10 × six-seconds intermittent sprint training protocol performed on a cycle ergometer was investigated. Thirteen part-time female athletes from two sports, Rugby Sevens and Netball competing for their state participated in the study. Peak Power (PPO), Mean Power (MPO), “total work” in the form of calorie expenditure, performance decrement, repetitions over 95% PPO, blood lactate, and RPE were recorded. ResultsThere was a significant effect of condition on MPO and calorie expenditure (p < 0.050). MPO was significantly lower for 60 s compared to 90 s (710.4 vs 734.4 W, ES = 0.27–0.42) and 120 s (710.4 vs 743.3 W, ES = 0.36–0.47). Calorie expenditure was significantly lower for 60 s compared to 90 s (4.41 vs 4.56 cal, ES = 0.25–0.46) and 120 s (4.41 vs 4.59 cal, ES = 0.40–0.48). There was a significant effect of time (60 s 11.7, 90 s 11.1.120 s 10.9 mmol/L, p < 0.010) but not condition (p = 0.617) for blood lactate accumulation, and a significant difference in session RPE between 60 and both 90 s and 120 s (60 s 15.5, 90 s 14.2. p = 0.034 120 s 13.9, p = 0.039). ConclusionShorter recovery durations resulted in decreased mean power and calorie expenditure, but higher RPE when compared to longer recovery periods. All three recovery periods may have fallen between the fast and slow phases of PCr resynthesis of approximately 20 and 180 s resulting in partial but not complete recovery. Total training time should be a consideration when determining what protocol to implement.

Advancing Knowledge of the Bio-Cultural Complexities of Low Energy Availability: The Value of Mixed-Methods Approaches

Low energy availability (LEA) is a complex health condition that most commonly affects female athletes. Research on LEA is weighted to quantitative approaches, and few studies have employed qualitative methods to understand the development of LEA. Current research fails to understand the complexity of LEA by largely operating within isolated research paradigms. This paper aims to demonstrate the value of integrating a mixed-methods research approach to understand the influence of sporting cultures on the physiological experiences of female athletes with LEA. The mixed-methods approach implemented the use of physiological (quantitative) and socio-psychological (qualitative) data obtained from elite female athletes in three sports: triathlons and running, (n = 11), rugby sevens (n = 9), and track cycling (n = 10). The physiological data consisted of energy availability, haematological analysis, bone health, and body composition. The socio-psychological data consisted of individual semi-structured interviews with topics covering nutrition, body image, the impact of the sporting environment, and experience with LEA. The interview data were thematically analysed. By bringing qualitative and quantitative data together, this paper illustrates the complex relationship between sporting culture and the physiology of LEA. First, endurance athletes categorised as having an LEA showed a positive correlation between the relative energy intake (EI) and serum ferritin, with the interviews revealing a focus on a low body weight and reducing the EI. Second, the interviews with the rugby players showed a strong but hierarchical team culture, with the experienced players monitoring and controlling the EI of novice players. Third, among the cyclists, the EI was reduced in those categorised as having an LEA, with the interviews revealing a coach–athlete power relationship impacting dietary behaviours. To conclude, this paper demonstrates how mixed methods are important for capturing how different sporting cultures impact athletes’ socio-psychological and physiological experiences of LEA.

Training and Competition Loads in Women's Rugby Sevens Athletes: Are There Implications for Cardiovascular Health?

National- and international-level rugby sevens athletes are exposed to high training and competition loads over the course of a competitive season. Research on load monitoring and body-system responses is widespread; however, the primary focus has been on optimizing performance rather than investigating or improving cardiovascular health. There is a degree of cardiovascular remodeling, as well as local and systemic inflammation, in response to excessive exercise. These responses are moderated by many factors including previous exercise exposure, current exercise intensity and duration, age, race, and gender, as well as sport-specific physiology. For these reasons, high-performing female rugby sevens athletes may have a unique cardiovascular risk profile different from males and other rugby codes. This review aimed to characterize the training and competition loads, as well as the anthropometric and physiological profiles, of female rugby sevens athletes; discuss the potential impacts these may have on the cardiovascular system; and provide recommendations on future research regarding the relationship between rugby sevens training and competition loads and cardiovascular health. Movement demands, competition formatting, and training routines could all contribute to adverse cardiovascular adaptations. Anthropometric data and physiological characteristics may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Future research needs to adopt measures of cardiovascular health to obtain a greater understanding of cardiovascular profiles and risk factors in female rugby sevens athletes.

Blood Lactate Responses of Male and Female Players Across an International Rugby Sevens Tournament.

This study investigated within- and between-matches blood lactate (La-) responses across an international Rugby Sevens tournament (5 matches over 2d) in male and female players. Earlobe blood samples were taken from 25 professional players around matches: before warm-up (PRE), immediately upon finishing match participation (POST), and 30 minutes postmatch (30min). POST [La-] (mean [SD], range) for males was 10.3 (3.2; 2.9-20.2) mmol·L-1 and for females was 9.1 (2.3; 3.4-14.6) mmol·L-1. Linear mixed-effects models revealed a decrease in POST [La-] after match 5, compared to match 1. Increased PRE [La-] was found before match 2 (+0.8 [0.6-1.1]mmol·L-1), match 3 (+0.8 [0.5-1.1]mmol·L-1), and match 5 (+0.6 [0.4-0.9]mmol·L-1) compared to match 1 (all P < .001). The [La-] remained elevated at 30min, compared to PRE (+1.7 [1.4-2.0]mmol·L-1, P < .001), with ∼20% of values persisting >4mmol·L-1. Higher POST was observed in males compared to females (+1.6 [0.1-3.2]mmol·L-1, P = .042); however, no differences between sexes were found across 30 min or PRE [La-]. No [La-] differences between positions (backs and forwards) were identified. Lactate concentrations above 10mmol·L-1 are required to effectively simulate the anaerobic demands of international Rugby Sevens matches. Practitioners are advised to individualize anaerobic training prescription due to the substantial variability observed within positional groups. Additionally, improving athletes' metabolic recovery capacity through training, nutrition, and recovery interventions may enhance physical preparation for subsequent matches within a day, where incomplete lactate clearance was observed.

The Effects of a Field-Based Priming Session on Perceptual, Physiological, and Performance Markers in Female Rugby Sevens Players.

This study aimed to determine the effects of a field-based priming session on perceptual, physiological, and performance responses in female rugby sevens athletes. Thirteen highly trained female rugby sevens players (age: 20.7 [2.0]y; height: 169.3 [4.8]cm; weight: 68.8 [7.9]kg) completed either a 20-minute field-based priming session or a control condition. Perceptual, physiological, and performance variables were collected at baseline (PRE) and 5 (POST5), 30 (POST30), and 120minutes (POST120) postintervention. Data were analyzed using Bayesian mixed effects models. The priming protocol had a larger increase in mental readiness (maximum a posteriori [MAP] = 20, 95% high-density intervals [HDI] = -4 to 42, probability of direction [PD]% = 95, % in region of practical equivalence [ROPE] = 9.7), physical readiness (MAP = 20.1, 95% HDI = -4.6 to 42.1, PD% = 93, % in ROPE = 10.6), and testosterone (MAP = 14.9, 95% HDI = 0.5 to 27.7, PD% = 98, % in ROPE = 5.6) than the control POST30. Cognitive performance decreased POST120 in the priming condition for congruent (MAP = 0.02, 95% HDI = -0.06 to 0.00, PD% = 95, % in ROPE = 6.4) and incongruent tasks (MAP = 0.00, 95% HDI = -0.07 to 0.00, PD% = 98, % in ROPE = 3.2) when compared with the control. Perceptual and physiological markers improved POST30 in the priming condition. Findings indicate that perceptual and physiological responses to priming were not coupled with performance improvements. Priming was not accompanied by perceptual, physiological, or performance improvements at POST120.

Effects of 2 Different Protocols of Repeated-Sprint Training in Hypoxia in Elite Female Rugby Sevens Players During an Altitude Training Camp.

Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) is an effective way of improving physical performance compared with similar training in normoxia. RSH efficiency relies on hypoxia severity, but also on the oxidative-glycolytic balance determined by both sprint duration and exercise-to-rest ratio. This study investigated the effect of 2 types of RSH sessions during a classic altitude camp in world-class female rugby sevens players. Sixteen players performed 5 RSH sessions on a cycle ergometer (simulated altitude: 3000m above sea level [asl]) during a 3-week natural altitude camp (1850m asl). Players were assigned to 2 different protocols with either a high (RSH1:3, sprint duration: 8-10s; exercise-to-rest ratios: 1:2-1:3; n = 7) or a low exercise-to-rest ratio (RSH1:5, sprint duration: 5-15s; exercise-to-rest ratios: 1:2-1:5; n = 9). Repeated-sprint performances (maximal and mean power outputs [PPOmax, and PPOmean]) were measured before and after the intervention, along with physiological responses. PPOmax (962 [100] to 1020 [143]W, P = .008, Cohen d = 0.47) and PPOmean (733 [71] to 773 [91]W, P = .008, d = 0.50) increased from before to after. A significant interaction effect (P = .048, d = 0.50) was observed for PPOmean, with a larger increase observed in RSH1:3 (P = .003). No interaction effects were observed (P > .05) for the other variables. A classic altitude camp with 5 RSH sessions superimposed on rugby-sevens-specific training led to an improved repeated-sprint performance, suggesting that RSH effects are not blunted by prolonged hypoxic exposure. Interestingly, using a higher exercise-to-rest ratio during RSH appears to be more effective than when applying a lower exercise-to-rest ratio.

Change-of-Direction and Deceleration Deficits in National-Team Female Rugby Sevens Players: Interrelationships and Associations With Speed-Related Performance.

To investigate the relationships between a series of direct and indirect measures of linear and multidirectional speed performance in elite female rugby sevens players. Nineteen players from the Brazilian national team performed 40-m linear sprint and 505 change-of-direction (COD) tests on the same day. Based on the linear sprint and COD test performances, the COD deficit (CODD) and deceleration deficit (DD) were also obtained. A Pearson product-moment correlation analysis was used to determine the relationships between linear sprint and COD-derived variables. Linear sprint and 505 COD velocities were not significantly associated (P > .05). Large to very large significant associations (r values ranging from .54 to .78; P < .05) were detected between linear sprint velocity for the different distances tested (10, 15, 30, and 40m) and CODD. The COD velocity presented a very large inverse significant correlation with CODD and DD (r = -.77 and -.79 respectively; P < .05). A large and significant correlation was identified between CODD and DD (r = .79; P < .05). Significant associations were observed between linear sprint and CODD, suggesting that faster players are less efficient at changing direction. No relationship was found between sprint velocity and DD, highlighting the independent nature of linear sprints and deceleration capabilities. A comprehensive and detailed analysis of multidirectional speed performance should consider not only linear sprint and COD performances but also complementary COD-derived variables such as the CODD and DD.

Peak Running Demands in Elite Women's Rugby Sevens and Rugby Union Match Play: A Comparative Study.

In women's rugby, players regularly interchange between the rugby sevens (R7) and rugby union (RU) formats. Yet, the game demands and particularly the physical aspects respective to both formats vary and players must be able to respond accordingly. The aim of this study was to compare peak running demands in R7 and RU players. A total of 51 international women players participated. HSBC World Sevens Series (n = 19) and Six Nations Rugby Union tournament matches (n = 10) were analyzed for a total of 437 individual match observations. Global positioning systems were utilized to measure total (in meters) and high-speed (above 16km·h-1, in meters) distance and frequency of accelerations (above 2.5m·s-2, n) during different rolling-average periods (1-7min) to obtain peak running activity values. Power law modeling was used to obtain slope and intercept. For all variables, peak values and the value at the 90th percentile (P90) were analyzed. No intercept difference (P = .25; -0.12 ± 0.17) was observed between formats for total distance (161 vs 155m·min-1). In contrast, R7 players reported a higher intercept (P = .01; -0.29 ± 0.17) for high-speed distance (66 vs 51m·min-1), while the intercept was higher (P = .01; 0.31 ± 0.20) in RU for accelerations performed (6.1 vs 5.4n·min-1). Regarding P90, higher values (P < .001) were observed in R7 for total and high-speed distance and accelerations. While peak overall intensity was similar, P90 on the high-speed spectrum was higher in R7. Information on the most demanding match-play periods specific to both women's rugby formats can inform training specificity by tailoring sessions to ensure sufficient exposure to these peak demands and, consequently, aid transitioning betweenformats.

More than rugby: A scoping review of coaches in rugby

Introduction It is well-recognised that fulfilling the role of a coach is multi-faceted. In rugby, some of these coaching facets have been studied, however the research has not been reviewed. Reviewing the literature on rugby coaches will inform and guide policies, coach education, research and practice. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide a scoping review of the current coach focused literature on rugby union, rugby league and rugby sevens. Methods A scoping review was conducted on five electronic databases (EBSCOhost, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science) until January 2022 using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Participants had to be coaches within rugby union, sevens and league to be included. Data were extracted and analyzed to form a numerical and thematic summary. Results 105 articles were included. 76% of the studies were on rugby union, 14% on league, 1% on sevens and the remainder focused on a combination of rugby cohorts or did not specify. Three themes were identified via a thematic analysis based on the content of the articles, these were coach knowledge (68%), coach pedagogies (29%), and coach development (4%). Conclusion The main finding in this review is that research on rugby coaches understood the risk, prevention, and management of injuries. Educational resources should include all aspects of rugby play or training injuries. The importance of the athlete-coach relationship and coach reflective practices was another significant finding. Coaches are encouraged to have a broad understanding of various aspects related to the player's welfare, which can be developed using formal and/or nonformal learning.

Estimated Energy Expenditures and Energy Intakes of International Female Rugby Sevens Players in Five Days of a Training Camp and Competition Preparation.

To understand the energy balance of international female rugby sevens (R7s) players in applied environments, this study estimated the energy intakes (EI) and total daily estimated energy expenditures (TDEE) during a five-day training camp (TRAIN) and phase of competition preparation (COMP) of equal duration. Tri-axial accelerometer devices were worn throughout both scenarios to estimate TDEE, whereas EI was estimated via self-reported food diaries. Energy deficits of -47% (TDEETRAIN: 14.6 ± 1.6 MJ·day-1, EITRAIN: 7.7 ± 0.9 MJ·day-1, p ≤ 0.001, d = 5.1) and -50% (TDEECOMP: 15.5 ± 1.6 MJ·day-1, EICOMP: 7.7 ± 1.0 MJ·day-1, p ≤ 0.001, d = 5.7) were observed throughout TRAIN (n = 11; age: 25 ± 4 years, height: 170 ± 6 cm, weight: 71 ± 7 kg) and COMP (n = 8; age: 25 ± 3 years, height: 172 ± 5 cm, weight: 72 ± 6 kg), respectively. Carbohydrate intakes were below the lower range of sports nutrition recommendations in both TRAIN (-62%; 2.3 ± 0.3 g·kg-1 BM, p ≤ 0.001) and COMP (-60%; 2.4 ± 0.5 g·kg-1 BM, p ≤ 0.001). For protein (TRAIN: 1.7 ± 0.4 g·kg-1 BM, COMP: 1.5 ± 0.1 g·kg-1 BM), intakes met the lower range of recommendations. Fat intake exceeded recommendations of the percentage of total EI (COMP: 39 ± 5%). Accordingly, the dietary strategies of international female R7s players may warrant optimization, as carbohydrate and fat intakes were less than optimal when compared to current performance-based sports nutrition guidelines.