Match-play profile of elite rugby union, with special reference to repeated high-intensity effort activity (RHIE)

Optimization of training for professional rugby union players: investigating the impact of different small-sided games models on GPS-derived performance metrics

Introduction: Professional rugby union players can improve their performance by engaging in small-sided games (SSGs), which simulate the movement patterns of the game. This study collected metrics related to running performance and mechanical workload and their relative values from both forward and back positions, aiming to explore the impact of different SSGs factors on athlete workload, as well as the workload difference between official games (OGs) and SSGs. Methods: The monitored GPS data were collected from SSGs with different player numbers and pitch sizes (five sessions), SSG rules (5 weeks, four sessions per week), and OGs conducted throughout the year. Additionally, the study compared changes in players' sprinting performance before and after two SSG sessions. Results: Backs had greater workload than forwards. Less space and number of players SSG (4 vs. 4, 660 m2) was conducive to facilitating training for players in acceleration and deceleration. Conversely, larger spaces were associated with improved running performance. However, the introduction of a floater had no significant impact on performance improvement. Additionally, the 7 vs. 4 model (seven players engaged with four opponents) resulted in the greatest workload during medium-hard accelerations (F = 52.76-88.23, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.19-0.28). Japan touch model allowed for more high-speed running training (F = 47.93-243.55, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 1.52). The workload performed by SSGs can almost cover that of OGs (F = 23.36-454.21, p < 0.05, ηp 2 = 0.03-0.57). In the context of ηp 2, values around 0.01, 0.06 and 0.14 indicate small, medium and large effects respectively. Discussion: However, given the significantly higher workload of SSGs and the slight decrease in sprinting performance, further research is required to examine the training patterns of SSGs. This study provided insight into the impact of player numbers, pitch size, and rules on rugby-specific SSGs. Coaches should optimize SSG setups for enhanced training outcomes, ensuring the long-term development of physical capacity, technical and tactical skills.

The running performance of elite ladies Gaelic football with respect to position and halves of play

Purpose

The current investigation aimed to examine the running performance of elite Ladies Gaelic football (LGF) match-play and establish the within game positional profile, in addition to the running performance of players across halves of play.

Methods

GPS technology was used to examine the running performance of thirty-three (n = 33) elite LGF players (age; 23 ± 5 years, height; 173 ± 5 cm, body mass; 63 ± 4 kg). Across the duration of the observational period, one hundred and thirty-one (n = 131) individual samples were collected over 15 competitive matches. Data were classified based on positional line and across halves of play. Running performance was determined across the following performance variables of total distance covered (m) (TD), relative distance (m·min−1), HSR (≥ 4.4 m·s−1), RHSR (HSR; m·min−1), percentage HSR (% HSR), VHSR (≥ 5.5 m·s−1), peak velocity (m s−1), percentage peak velocity (% PeakV), accelerations (n; ≥ 3 m·s−2) and decelerations (n; ≤ − 3 m·s−2),

Results

Independent of position the mean distance covered during match play was 7319 ± 1021 m which equates to a relative work rate of 116 ± 9 m·min−1. The high-speed distance of players was 1547 ± 432 m, which equates to a relative high-speed running distance of 25 ± 11 m·min−1. The maximal velocity of players was 7.17 ± 0.41 m·s−1 reflective of a relative maximal velocity of 86 ± 4 percent. The greatest distances were covered by half-backs, midfielders, and half-forwards, with these positions covering significantly greater distances than full-backs (p ≤ 0.05; ES: 0.59–1.25; small-moderate) and full-forwards (p ≤ 0.05; ES: 0.44–1.21; small-moderate). While TD and maximal velocity was shown not to change across halves of play, significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) were observed across HSR (ES: 0.64–1.02; moderate), accelerations and decelerations (ES: 0.59–1.20; moderate).

Conclusion

The current investigation is the first of its kind within elite LGF, the data within the investigation can aid the coaching process by allowing for the development of sport-specific training regimen specific to the positional needs of elite LGF players.