University Rugby Players Research Articles

The Significance of Off-Season Tailor-Made Baseline Measurements in the Assessment of Post-Concussion in University Athletes.

This study aimed to investigate the significance of baseline measurements for amateur team athletes playing contact and collision team sports with a specific focus on the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) to improve concussion management. Symptoms of sports-related concussions (SRCs) can be diverse and long-lasting and include cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and vestibular dysfunction. Therefore, comprehensive baseline data are essential to preventing recurrent concussions and secondary injuries. This study was conducted during the 2023 off-season and evaluated the baseline condition of 65 male university rugby players using the SCAT5, which includes self-reported symptoms, and the modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS). The athletes were assessed for the presence or absence of SRC, and the mean values were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Among the participants, 35.38% (23/65) reported symptoms, with an average of 1.5 ± 2.8 symptoms per player and an average symptom score of 2.66 ± 5.93. In the mBESS, no errors were observed in the tandem stance test; however, 72.31% (47/65) made errors in the single-leg stance test on the non-dominant foot, with an average of 1.7 ± 1.5 errors. Many athletes self-reported symptoms and balance errors, even during asymptomatic periods before experiencing concussion, indicating unresolved issues. In the injury history survey, the baseline evaluations and injury histories of the participants classified into the SRC and non-SRC groups were compared. In the mBESS single-leg stance test (non-dominant foot), 84.21% (32/38) of the SRC group participants made errors, with an average score of 2.13 ± 1.52, whereas 55.55% (15/27) of the non-SRC group participants made errors, with an average score of 1.15 ± 1.35, showing a significant difference (p = 0.007). Additionally, significant differences were observed in the average number of ankle sprains (p = 0.027) and fractures (p = 0.048) between patients with and without a history of SRC. These findings indicate that athletes may have underlying issues even during normal periods before concussion. Moreover, the results highlighted the impact of previous concussions on motor control and injury risk. This underscores the importance of preseason baseline measurements using the SCAT to identify at-risk athletes and implement preventive measures. These findings align with the recommendations of the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport and suggest further refinement of concussion assessment tools.

Assessing the feasibility of a neck‐strength training intervention in university women's rugby

AbstractCervical muscle strength has been demonstrated to reduce concussion risk in high school athletes, and interventions to improve this in male rugby players have elicited strength improvements. However, the feasibility of introducing neck‐strengthening interventions into women's rugby has not been investigated. This study sought to pilot a neck‐strength intervention in university‐level women's rugby players. A fixed‐frame dynamometer was used to assess the multi‐directional isometric neck‐strength of 14 university women's rugby players (20.3 ± 1.0 years). Between baseline and end‐of‐season testing, a neck‐strengthening program was completed. Interviews were conducted with six players and two coaches to understand program engagement. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and processed via inductive content analysis. Increases in absolute neck‐strength post‐intervention in left and right lateral flexion (left 85.4 ± 29.7 N to 108.2 ± 41.6 N, p = 0.02, right 87.4 ± 33.3 N to 110.5 ± 40.3 N, p = 0.01) and flexion (128.4 ± 28.8 N to 147.9 ± 30.5 N, p = 0.01) were perceived positively by the players although there were suggestions that greater adaptability according to training age and more variety was required. Participants initially demonstrated limited awareness of neck‐strength training but engaged well with the exercises once the potential benefits were understood. This intervention shows promise as an effective, palatable strategy to improve neck‐strength in university women's rugby players. Further research is needed to establish whether such improvements in neck‐strength are associated with meaningful reductions in head impact occurrence.

Dietary and Biological Assessment of Omega-3 Status in University Rugby Football Players: A Case-Control Study

Background: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has been shown to help maintain muscle function and reduce muscle soreness after exercise-induced muscle damage. However, the relationship between the dietary and biological status of omega-3 fatty acids in rugby players remains unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the connection between the dietary and biological status of omega-3 fatty acids in university rugby players. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving university rugby players and age-matched sedentary controls. We assessed diets, including omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, using self-administered dietary questionnaires. Whole blood lipidomics was performed before and after a single training session. Results: The rugby group (n = 29) had significantly higher intakes of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids compared to the control group (n = 31). While the blood omega-6 relative concentration did not differ between the groups, the rugby group had lower omega-3 fatty acid levels than the control group (4.4 ± 1.1 vs. 6.2 ± 1.8%). Approximately 48% of rugby players had an omega-3 index (O3i) considered as high risk for cardiovascular disease, and 52% were classified as intermediate risk. None of the players had a low-risk O3i. A single training session had an impact on the omega-3 and omega-6 metabolic pathways. Conclusions: Despite having a higher omega-3 fatty acid intake than controls, rugby football players may still be deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. Further nutritional interventions are needed to address these issues.

A high incidence of injury among male university student rugby players requires urgent injury prevention strategies

ObjectivesDetermine the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of training and match injuries in university student rugby players over a two-season period. DesignProspective cohort. SettingVarsity Cup (VC) and Young Guns (YG) rugby tournaments (2018 and 2019). Participants171 male university student rugby players. Main outcome measuresFor time-loss injuries: injury incidence (injuries per 1000 player-hours), injured player proportion (% of injured players) and the frequency (n, %) of injury characteristics (new or recurrent, anatomical region, body area, severity. ResultsThe injury incidence was 2.4 per 1000 player-hours for training injuries and 131.1 per 1000 player-hours for match injuries. The overall injured player proportion was 59.6%. New injuries (83.9%) were more frequent than recurrent injuries. Most injuries occurred in the lower limb involving muscle/tendon (56.7%) and ligament/joint capsule (27.2%). The shoulder (19.6%) and ankle (15.7%) were the most common body areas of injury during matches and training, respectively. ConclusionsThere was a high injured player proportion and match injury incidence among university student rugby players. Most injuries were new. Lower limb injuries were most common in training whereas upper limb injuries were most common in matches. These findings highlight the need to prioritise future injury prevention among university student rugby players.

Body size, race, and beauty in sport

This study investigated the attitudes of female university rugby and netball players toward their bodies, specifically their perceptions of size, race, and beauty. The sports were chosen because of their respective masculine and feminine images, historically. The study used a qualitative design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of eight players from the women’s rugby and netball teams at a university in the north-east of England. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: inclusivity, discrimination, and the promotion of inclusiveness. Almost all participants reported negative body image, especially outside the sporting environment. However, most participants emphasised a positive outlook on their bodies in society and on the utilisation of their unique bodies to better serve their purposes in the sports they play. The study’s findings emphasise the need to foster inclusivity of body types and races in sporting environments and in the rest of society.

A-198 Acute Effects of a Single Moderate-intensity Exercise on Omega-3 and Omega-6 Metabolic Pathway Using Whole Blood Lipidomics

Abstract Background Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can reduce muscle soreness and maintain muscle function following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. However, the relationship between the dietary and biological status of omega-3 fatty acids in rugby players is unknown. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the dietary and biological status of omega-3 fatty acids in university rugby players. We investigated acute effects of a single moderate-intensity exercise on omega-3 and omega-6 metabolic pathway using whole blood lipidomics. Methods A cross-sectional study of university rugby players and age-matched sedentary controls was conducted. Diets including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were assessed using a validated brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Whole blood lipidomics analysis was performed using the dried blood spot technique before and after a single training session, namely a 2-h shuttle run, and the omega-3 index (EPA + DHA) was calculated. We categorized rugby players based on the proposed omega-3 index risk zones for cardiovascular disease as follows: high risk, <4%; intermediate risk, 4%–8%; low risk, >8%. Results The rugby group (n = 29) had a significantly higher intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than the control group (n = 31). The blood omega-6 relative concentration did not differ between the groups; however, the rugby group had lower omega-3 fatty acid levels than the control group (4.4 ± 1.1 vs 6.2 ± 1.8%). Approximately 48% of rugby players had an omega-3 index that was considered high risk, and 52% had that considered intermediate risk. None of the patients had a low-risk omega-3 index. A single training session affected the omega-3 and omega-6 metabolic pathways. Conclusion Rugby football players may be deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, despite having a higher omega-3 fatty acid intake than controls. The omega-3 index and lipidomics can be used to profile and monitor rugby players. Further nutritional interventions are required to confirm these issues.

Physical Fitness Tests as Predictors of High-Intensity Running Performance in Rugby.

Understanding the physical fitness elements that influence high-intensity running ability during rugby matches is crucial for optimizing player performance and developing effective training strategies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationships between various physical fitness components and high-intensity running ability in rugby. For this purpose, 60 Japanese university rugby players were randomized into four groups and two matches were played. The participants were monitored in two matches, and their running abilities were assessed using GPS sensors. The running time was divided into three running velocity categories: distance run at ≤5.4 km/h (low-intensity running); distance run at 5.5~17.9 km/h (medium-intensity running), and distance run at ≥18.0 km/h ≤(high-intensity running) and backs and forwards were evaluated separately. To determine which physical fitness test is more predictive of performance, we decided to correlate several physical test performances with the running time intensities during the matches. Independently of the position, the high-intensity running time correlated with the repeated sprint ability (RSA) and the 40 m sprint speed. The results suggest that RSA measured in the field is the most important high-intensity running ability predictor during a match for both positions.

Body Composition Asymmetry in University Rugby Players: Influence of Sex, Position, and Injury.

Measures of side-to-side asymmetry in body composition may help identify players who are predisposed to lower limb injuries (LLI) or lower back pain (LBP). This study aimed to examine (1)side-to-side asymmetry in college rugby players according to sex and position and (2)whether side-to-side asymmetry is associated with LBP or LLI. Cross-sectional study. Thirty-six rugby players (61% female) underwent a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry assessment for total and regional (appendicular, truncal) outcomes of fat mass, lean mass, and bone mass. A subsample (n = 23) of players had a second dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry assessment 2months postbaseline. Two-way analysis of variance was used to assess the effect of position (forward and backs) and sex on body composition asymmetry. Student paired t tests were used to assess side-to-side difference in body composition and compare baseline and follow-up measures. Logistic regression was used to assess possible associations between LLI, LBP, and the degree of side-to-side asymmetry in body composition. Male players had greater asymmetry in arm bone mass compared with female players (P = .026), and trunk fat mass asymmetry was greater in forwards as compared with backs (P = .017). Forwards had significantly greater fat mass (P = .004) and percentage of fat (P = .048) on the right leg compared with the left. Backs had significantly greater bone mass in the right arm compared with the left (P = .015). From baseline to postseason, forwards had a significant increase in side-to-side asymmetry in arm lean mass (P = .006) and a significant decrease in side-to-side asymmetry in leg fat mass (P = .032). In backs, side-to-side asymmetry at baseline compared with postseason was significantly different (P = .011) for trunk fat mass. There were no significant associations between body composition asymmetry, LLI, or LBP by sex or position. Our results revealed the presence of side-to-side asymmetries in body composition in university rugby players between sex and position. The amount of asymmetry, however, was not associated with LBP and LLI.

A case study of alcohol use among male university rugby players

ABSTRACT In the UK, research has established that student athletes consume greater quantities of alcohol than their non-athlete peers. The published literature suggests the drinking culture in sport is a social phenomenon. At present, however, the evidence does not tell us what the precise mechanisms involved in the production and reproduction of the drinking culture are. To gain a deeper understanding of these mechanisms a case study methodology was used, where a researcher was heavily immersed within a male university rugby environment for a season. Data sources included observation, field-note taking, documentation, conversational interviews, and formal semi-structured interviews. These athletes faced a multitude of pressures encouraging them to drink, and often. Firstly, alcohol use was embedded within athletes’ weekly routine. Over time, drinking became a taken-for-granted ritual of sport. Secondly, specific roles and responsibilities, punishments, and events, were used to ensure athletes complied with the drinking ethos. Thirdly, athletes used alcohol to gain status and reputation. This, however, led to a culture where no behaviours were off limits and led to potentially harmful consequences. Fourthly, institutional factors (such as alcohol price, availability and sponsorship) may have normalised and legitimised a heavy drinking culture. There is a need to confront and challenge the alcohol ethos at this and other similar institutions with a pervasive drinking culture to reduce the potential harm to individual athletes.

A comparison of physical characteristics in starters and non-starters in a Japanese university rugby football players

A comparison of physical characteristics in starters and non-starters in a Japanese university rugby football players

Variability in Normalization Methods of Surface Electromyography Signals in Eccentric Hamstring Contraction

In human movement analysis, normalization of a surface electromyography signal is a crucial step; therefore, parameter selection for this procedure must be adequately justified. The aim of this research was to determine the variability of electromyography signals in eccentric hamstring contraction under different normalization parameters. Cross-sectional study. Nine university rugby players (age 21.50 [3.61]y; body mass index 21.50 [4.95]) and no history of recent hamstring injury. Values from maximum voluntary isometric contraction protocol and task related (ie,Nordic hamstring exercise) were used for surface electromyography signal normalization. Intersubject and intrasubject variation coefficients were used for normalization method variability and for signal reproducibility, respectively. Intrasubject variation coefficient value indicates acceptable reproducibility of surface electromyography (less than 12%) for all normalization procedures. Lower values of intersubject variation coefficient value were achieved for normalization procedures using task-related values. Parameters extracted from task execution provided less variability for surface electromyography amplitude normalization in eccentric hamstring muscle contractions.

Hydration status and running performance during cool and hot training sessions in rugby union forwards and backs.

Rugby showed a high incidence of exertional heatstroke. Different physiques and running performances between the forward and back players (FW and BK) may result in different heatstroke risks. This study aimed to compare the hydration status, running performance, and perceived heatstroke symptoms (PHS) between cool and hot environment training (HT and CT) in university rugby union FW and BK. Thirteen university rugby players (seven forwards and six backs) participated in this study. During both conditions, players were allowed to drink water and sports drink, and the amount of fluid intake was recorded. Body mass was measured pre- and post-training, and weight loss was calculated. Sweat loss was calculated based on body mass and fluid intake. During training, running performance was measured using GPS. The presence of PHS was assessed using a questionnaire administered after training. Fluid intake and sweat loss were higher in the HT as opposed to the CT, and FW showed higher fluid intake and dehydration than BK. However, there were no significant differences in weight loss observed during data collection. Running distance per minute and maximum speed were higher in BK than in FW, but there was no significant difference between conditions. Although a significant weight loss was not observed between conditions, the number of PHS was higher in the HT. Although BK had a higher running distance and maximum speed than FW during training, a higher cycle of fluid intake and sweat loss was observed in the FW than that in the BK.

The Influences of COVID-19 Lockdown Measures on Physical Activity, Sedentary and Screen Time Behaviour of University Rugby Players in the Western Cape, South Africa

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on many challenges to everyday life. The pandemic caused many lifestyles changes with social distancing becoming essential to prevent the spread of the virus and ensuring the safety of individuals. The main concerns were the influence on physical activity levels. Lockdown measurements restricted access to equipment and facilities that affected rugby players' training needs. Universities turned to online learning requiring student-athletes to spend more screen time, leading to sedentary behaviour affecting overall performance and well-being. This study aimed to explore the influences of COVID-19 lockdown measures on physical activity levels, screen time usage, and sedentary lifestyle among rugby players at a university in the Western Cape. Ethics was obtained from the University of the Western Cape Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (HS21/5/20). An exploratory qualitative approach was followed. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten rugby players (5 males, 5 females), purposefully selected from a historical disadvantaged institution in the Western Cape. Data collected were transcribed verbatim, and Atlas Ti V9 was used to conduct thematic analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured using member checks, building a coherent justification for themes, rich, thick description to give context to the study, and describing the behaviour and experiences of the participants to convey the findings in a way that was understandable. The main findings of this study are summarised in three themes (physical activity, sedentary behaviour and screen time use) and eight sub-themes that emerged from the data. The key findings showed that most participants struggled to remain physically active throughout the strict lockdown measures due to a lack of support from coaches and the closure of sports facilities. Participants were once that it caused a significant decrease in a player's level of physical activity leading to an increase in sedentary behaviour and screen time usage. The changing institutional landscape also caused players to spend more time online, contributing to the sedentary lifestyle. Support from coaches during pandemics or situations where social engagement is restricted is of the essence. This includes emotional support, exercise programs, and sourcing equipment for rugby players to remain physically active and fit.

Long-Term Athlete Development: Seasonal and Longitudinal Fitness Changes in Female University Rugby Players.

Falk Neto, JH, Parent, E, and Kennedy, MD. Long-term athlete development: Seasonal and longitudinal fitness changes in female university rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3459-3465, 2021-The Long-Term Athlete Development model is used by organizations to determine the expected improvements from athletes at different stages of their careers. For female rugby athletes, university sports should provide continued support for athlete development during the Training to Perform stage (18-21 years old). However, little evidence exists for longitudinal changes across years of participation in university sports in this group. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in anthropometric and fitness characteristics in female university rugby players across different seasons. Seventeen players were divided into forwards (n = 9, 21.1 ± 2.6 years) and backs (n = 8, 19.62 ± 0.9 years) and assessed across 5 points over 3 years: preseason 1, postseason 1, preseason 2, postseason 2, and preseason 3. Anthropometric (height, body mass, and body mass index) and performance measurements (grip strength, flexibility, trunk muscular endurance, upper-body muscular endurance, 40-m sprint, vertical jump, and 20-m shuttle run) were collected. V̇o2max was higher at preseason 2 compared with postseason 1 (p = 0.02), postseason 2 (p = 0.01), and preseason 3 (p = 0.015), and trunk muscular endurance was higher at preseason 3 (p = 0.02). Performance in the first 5 m of the sprint test decreased at postseason 1 (p = 0.018) and preseason 2 (p = 0.016) when compared with preseason 1. The results indicate that these female athletes did not improve their fitness across the Training to Perform stage when participating in university sports. These female rugby players likely developed their fitness at earlier stages and, at this stage, already possessed well-developed fitness levels, which were merely maintained throughout years.

Determining the Dynamic Balance, Maximal Aerobic Capacity, and Anaerobic Power Output of University Soccer and Rugby Players: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study

Physical performance characteristics of players have been changed rapidly as team games have become more competitive. Research focusing on the anthropometrical and physiological characteristics of players and the demand of competition are reviewed. The dearth of research for today's elite players was highlighted, along with the need for standardized testing protocols. This research was conducted to investigate the differences in physical performance characteristics between soccer and rugby players with standardized testing protocols. A total of thirty-six male subjects (18 soccer players and 18 rugby players) were chosen for this study. The subjects had an average age of 20.50±1.36 years, a height of 175.28±5.554 cm, weight of 67.73±6.47 kg, and BMI of 22.01±1.01. Any player who had a musculoskeletal injury in their lower extremity or had a record in the previous three months was excluded from the research. Dynamic balance was determined using the Y Balance Test. The Beep test assessed maximal aerobic capacity, and the vertical jump test evaluated the anaerobic power output of the lower body. An independent t-test was applied to determine the differences between soccer and rugby players. Our finding showed that there were insignificant differences for dynamic balance (t=-1.31, p=.19), maximal aerobic capacity (t=.94, p=.35), and anaerobic power output (t=-.403, p=.69) between soccer and rugby players. Findings are also evident for the decrease in anaerobic performance with increased maximal oxygen capacity in soccer players while anaerobic performance increases and maximal aerobic capacity decreases in rugby players. Functional tests for performance parameters should be considered when planning to train players, predict performance, and identify sports talent.

The Hepcidin-25/Ferritin Ratio Is Increased in University Rugby Players with Lower Fat Mass.

Hepcidin-25 is suggested as a surrogate iron status marker in athletes who show exercise-induced anemia; however, the implications of hepcidin concentration in this population remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hepcidin and body fat levels in rugby football players. We included 40 male university rugby football players (RUG) and 40 non-athlete controls. All participants underwent an anthropometric analysis and blood testing that included both hepcidin-25 and ferritin levels. The hepcidin-25 level was slightly (11.6%, p = 0.50) higher, and the ferritin level was significantly (35.9%, p < 0.05) lower, in the RUG group than in controls. The hepcidin-25 to-ferritin ratio was significantly higher (62.5%, p < 0.05) in the RUG group. While significant U-shaped correlations were observed between the body fat and ferritin levels in both groups, the correlations between the hepcidin levels and fat mass index were significantly higher in the RUG group (RUG: r = 0.79, controls: r = 0.45). Notably, the RUG with the lower fat mass index group had a higher hepcidin-25 level, lower ferritin level, and then significantly higher hepcidin-25/ferritin ratio. The hepcidin-25/ferritin ratio may serve as a biomarker for iron status in RUG, especially RUG with lower fat mass.

Altered Fecal Microbiotas and Organic Acid Concentrations Indicate Possible Gut Dysbiosis in University Rugby Players: An Observational Study.

Gut eubiosis is essential for the host’s health. In athletes, the gut microbiota can be altered by several factors, including diets. While eubiotic gut microbiota in elite rugby players has been reported, our survey found that university rugby players suffered from loose stools and frequent urgency to defecate. To establish the causes of the condition, the microbiota and the concentrations of organic acids in fecal samples of university male rugby players (URP) were analyzed and compared with those of age-matching, non-rugby playing males (control). Body mass indices were significantly (p < 0.05) different between groups. Chao1 index was significant (p < 0.05) lower in URP than in control. The relative abundances of phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were significantly (p < 0.05) higher and lower, respectively, in URP than in control. Potential pathobiont genera Collinsella, Enterobacter, and Haemophilus were significantly (p < 0.05) abundant, whereas beneficial Akkermansia was lower (p < 0.05) in URP than in control. Succinate, a potential causative of gut inflammation, was five-fold higher in URP than in controls. Our findings all but confirmed that the dysbiotic status of gut in URP.

Relationship between Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Dynamic Stability in University Rugby and Soccer Players

The maximal oxygen uptake and dynamic stability is frequently assessed separately for different team players. However, most research is limited to specific sports players, so the maximal oxygen uptake and dynamic stability in rugby and soccer players are poorly documented. This study provides relationship between maximal oxygen uptake and dynamic stability in university rugby and soccer players. Twenty-eight participants were recruited for the study (14 rugby players and 14 soccer players). Maximal oxygen uptake was determined by multistage fitness test and dynamic stability was determined by Y balance test. A linear regression analysis was used to identify relationship and effect of maximal oxygen uptake and dynamic stability on university rugby and soccer players. Both groups were similar in characteristics. Our findings showed there was a significant relationship between the maximal oxygen uptake and dynamic stability for rugby players (r=.890) and soccer players (r=.811). Relationship between maximal oxygen uptake and dynamic stability (r=.836) was significant for both sports players. Rugby and soccer players achieved good scores in maximal oxygen uptake and dynamic stability and high maximal oxygen uptake scores lead to better dynamic stability in both teams' players. Maximal oxygen uptake affects the dynamic stability. Team coaches and physiologists must consider functional test outcomes while preparing players for competition. The individual training program should also be established on test outcome, which is more likely to improve performance.

Positional running capacities and in-game demands of South African university level rugby players

Rugby is a complex contact sport consisting of varying intensities of locomotion, interspersed with stationary and contact periods. An increasing professionalisation of the sport even at university and school level has engendered a growing need to collect objective data regarding the physical attributes of rugby players. The aim of the study was to assess the positional running capacities and demands of university rugby players. Twenty-nine male rugby players (age: 22.5 ± 1.2 years; body mass: 96.1 ± 13.26 kg; stature: 182.6 ± 7.5 cm) completed a battery of tests, which included: 10 m + 40 m sprint, yo-yo intermittent recovery (Yo-Yo IRT), repeated sprint ability test (RSA), and had their in-game running demands evaluated. Positional differences between forwards and backs were reported (p<0.05) for Yo-Yo IRT: 19.2 ± 2 vs 21.1 ± 2; 10 m sprint: 1.7 ± 0.1s vs 1.6 ± 0.0s; 40 m sprint test: 5.4 ± 0.3s vs 5.1 ± 0.1s; 5 m RST: 738.9 ± 31.1m vs 767.3 ± 20.9m. Additionally, a significant difference in-game distances between forwards and the backs (absolute: 5564.1 ± 842.5m vs 6955.9 ± 780.9m; relative: 54.7 ± 9.0 m.min-1 vs 60.6 ± 8.7m.min-1) were obtained. The assessment of university-level rugby players showed that backline players tend to record higher aerobic capacity, acceleration and sprint values than forwards. Evidence has shown that during matches, backs tend to cover more distance and spend more time in each speed band than forwards. The findings were discussed in the light of their implications for competitive rugby performance.

The Physiological and Perceptual Effects of Stochastic Simulated Rugby League Match Play

To examine responses to a simulated rugby league protocol designed to include more stochastic commands, and therefore require greater vigilance, than traditional team-sport simulation protocols. Eleven male university rugby players completed 2 trials (randomized and control [CON]) of a rugby league movement simulation protocol, separated by 7 to 10d. The CON trial consisted of 48 repeated ∼115-s cycles of activity. The stochastic simulation (STOCH) was matched for the number and types of activity performed every 5.45min in CON but included no repeated cycles of activity. Movement using GPS, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and Stroop test performance was assessed throughout. Maximum voluntary contraction peak torque, voluntary activation (in percentage), and global task load were assessed after exercise. The mean mental demand of STOCH was higher than CON (effect size [ES] = 0.56; ±0.69). Mean sprint speed was higher in STOCH (22.5 [1.4] vs 21.6 [1.6]km·h-1, ES = 0.50; ±0.55), which was accompanied by a higher rating of perceived exertion (14.3 [1.0] vs 13.0 [1.4], ES = 0.87; ±0.67) and a greater number of errors in the Stroop test (10.3 [2.5] vs 9.3 [1.4] errors; ES = 0.65; ±0.83). Maximum voluntary contraction peak torque (CON = -48.4 [31.6]N·m and STOCH = -39.6 [36.6]N·m) and voluntary activation (CON = -8.3% [4.8%] and STOCH = -6.0% [4.1%]) was similarly reduced in both trials. Providing more stochastic commands, which requires greater vigilance, might alter performance and associated physiological, perceptual, and cognitive responses to team-sport simulations.