Using Anthropometric Data and Physical Fitness Scores to Predict Selection in a National U19 Rugby Union Team

The purpose of this study was to compare measures of anthropometry characteristics and physical fitness performance between rugby union players (17.9 ± 0.5 years old) recruited (n = 39) and non-recruited (n = 145) to the Portuguese under-19 (U19) national team, controlling for their playing position (forwards or backs). Standardized anthropometric, physical, and performance assessment tests included players’ body mass and height, push up and pull-up test, squat test, sit- and-reach test, 20 m shuttle run test, flexed arm hang test, Sargent test, handgrip strength test, Illinois agility test, and 20-m and 50-m sprint test. Results showed that recruited forwards players had better agility scores (p = 0.02, ES = −0.55) than the non-recruited forwards, whereas recruited backs players had higher right (p < 0.01, ES = 0.84) and left (p = 0.01, ES = 0.74) handgrip strength scores than their counterparts. Logistic regression showed that better agility (for the forwards) and right handgrip strength scores (for the backs) were the only variables significantly associated with an increased likelihood of being recruited to the national team. In sum, these findings suggest that certain well- developed physical qualities, namely, agility for the forwards players and upper-body strength for the back players, partially explain the selection of U19 rugby players to their national team.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Tackling sport-related concussion: Effectiveness of lowering the maximum legal height of the tackle in amateur male rugby - A cross-sectional analytical study

Objective Rugby union ( € rugby') is popular globally, with most of its participants being amateur. Concern regarding sport-related concussion (SRC) sustained during rugby is increasing. SRC occurs most frequently in the tackle, yet few interventions have aimed to mitigate this risk factor. This study investigated the influence of a lowered legal tackle height on SRC incidence in amateur rugby. Design Cross-sectional analytical study: 2018 (control - standard tackle height) and 2019 (intervention - lowered legal tackle height) seasons. Setting South African collegiate student rugby competition. Participants Between 800 and 900 male amateur student players (age: 20±1.6 years) in each year. Intervention Maximum legal tackle height lowered from line of the shoulder on the ball carrier to the line of the armpit. Outcome measures Number of overall (medical attention) and time-loss (≥1 day lost) injuries, head injuries and SRCs in 2018 and 2019 (dependent variables); events associated with injury incidents (independent variables). Results There was no statistically significant difference in incidences of time-loss injuries (IRR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.6 to 1.1; p=0.13), head injuries (IRR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.5 to 1.3; p=0.42) and SRC (IRR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.4 to 1.2; p=0.20). In 2018 and 2019, most time-loss head injuries (57%, n=43) and SRCs (55%, n=26) occurred during the tackle. Conclusions Despite a trend towards reducing injuries, head injuries and SRC, lowering maximum legal tackle height to armpit level did not change SRC incidence in this amateur male rugby cohort. Most time-loss head injuries and SRCs occurred during the tackle. Further tackle-related interventions to reduce SRC incidence require investigation

Legal and illegal ruck cleanouts in South African non-professional youth rugby

CITATION: Kruger, S. et al. 2022. Legal and illegal ruck cleanouts in South African non-professional youth rugby. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 1-9. doi:10.1177/17479541221122439.The original publication is available at https://journals.sagepub.com/home/spoThe ruck area is responsible for the second-highest number of rugby union injuries, therefor it is necessary to investigate and understand the ruck better for improved player safety. The study aimed to investigate and compare incidents of legal and illegal ruck cleanouts in non-professional youth rugby. Using Nacpsort Scout Plus software, 118 South African Rugby Union under 18 Youth Week tournament matches were coded between 2015 and 2019. In total, 35 545 ruck cleanouts were coded, of which 32 641 (91.8%) were legal and 2 904 (8.2%) were illegal. Of the 2 904 illegal cleanouts, 2 676 (92.2%) were deemed ‘not dangerous’ and 228 (7.8%) were considered ‘dangerous’. The ‘dangerous’ ruck cleanouts represented 0.6% of the total ruck cleanouts. Of the most common illegal ruck cleanouts, “not supporting own body weight” were mostly ‘not dangerous’ (2 498; 99.4%, p=0.01); and all “neck rolls” were considered ‘dangerous’ (147; 100.0%, p=0.02). The findings of the study suggest player behaviour can still be improved, with regular participation in regular safe and effective technique training drills. The risk of injury during the ruck can further be influenced positively by coaches, through regular coaching and training of safe and effective ruck techniques.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/17479541221122439Post-print versio

Movement patterns and heart rate recordings of South African Rugby Union referees during actual match–play refereeing

Thesis (M.A. (Sport Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.Worldwide research regarding the movement patterns, heart rate recordings and work–to–rest ratios of rugby union referees is very limited. It is therefore very important to extend research regarding this topic. The first objective of this dissertation was to determine the frequency, duration and intensity of movement patterns and work–to–rest ratio of different refereeing panels of South African Rugby Union referees during match–refereeing at the National Club Rugby Championship in Stellenbosch during 2007. The second objective was to compare the two halves of the match with regard to the frequency, duration and intensity of the different movement patterns and the work–to–rest ratios of various of SARU referees during match–refereeing at the National Club Rugby Championship in Stellenbosch during 2007. The South African Rugby Union referees were monitored during match–refereeing by means of video and heart rate recordings for a total of 16 matches within a week tournament. The frequency and duration of the different movement patterns during both halves of the matches were analysed using a Dartfish TeamPro analysis software package. Heart rates were recorded during the matches to determine the movement pattern intensities of the referees for the duration of each match using a Suunto Team pack heart rate monitoring system. The work–to–rest ratios were determined by comparing the time (in seconds) spent working (lateral movements and sprinting) to the time spent resting (standing still, walking and jogging). The results revealed a moderate practical significant difference (d=0.51) between the mean frequency of jogging movement patterns for the different refereeing panels. A moderate practical significant difference was also found between the mean duration of jogging (d=0.43) and sprinting (d=0.43) movement patterns of different refereeing panels. The mean intensity of the movement patterns by the different refereeing panels showed large practical significant differences between the anaerobic threshold (d=3.68) and sub–threshold (d=1.36) levels and a moderate practical significant difference for the maximal heart rate zones (d=0.43). Both the provincial and contender panel referees had work–to–rest ratios of 1:4 during match–refereeing. In comparing the two halves of rugby match–refereeing, a large practical significant difference was found between the mean frequency of movement pattern values for standing still (d=2.53), walking (d=2.50), jogging (d=2.42), lateral movements (d=2.86) and sprinting (d=1.31) as well as for mean duration of movement pattern values for standing still (d=2.05), lateral movements (d=0.76) and sprinting (d=0.77). Large practical significant difference were found between the time spent in the maximal threshold (d=2.07), anaerobic threshold (d=0.92) and sub–threshold (d=7.90) heart rate zones measured during the two halves of match–refereeing. Average work–to–rest ratios of 1:3.5 and 1:5 were found for the first and second halves of rugby match–refereeing, respectively. The information gained regarding the activity profile of SARU referees could be used to determine the influence of rugby refereeing experience on the movement patterns and work–to–rest ratio of rugby referees. It can also provide information for constructing specific training programmes and drills in the development of rugby match–required fitness standards for referees. A key component of a rugby union referee’s game is positioning. Being in the right place at the right time is vital. The results of this study suggest that movements associated with positioning - namely standing still, walking and lateral movements are the major components of the game of referees’ movement during match–refereeing. However, further research is required on this topic of research.Master

The effect of law changes on the match profile of international and national rugby union between 2007 and 2013

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Rugby union has changed continually since the inception of professionalism in 1995. For example, to increase the appeal, continuity and safety of the game several law changes were introduced after the 2007 Rugby World Cup. The primary aim of this study was to determine the impact of these law changes on selected performance indicators on the match profile of international rugby union between 2007 and 2013 and national rugby union between 2008 and 2013. To this end, three specific objectives were set. The first was to compare the scoring profile of international rugby between 2007 and 2013. The second was to compare the changes in the general match profile of international rugby and the third was to compare the scoring and general match profile of Super Rugby between 2008 and 2013. The study followed a mixed-method study design for data collection. A total of 248 international and 646 national matches were recorded by the Fika Coding Centre and analyzed by the researcher using the Fairplay video analysis software package. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 international- and national-level coaches, referees, specialist coaches and players.The year 2007 was used as baseline for international matches and 2008 for national matches in order to compare and track the changes over the different years. Results indicate that law changes over the years have indeed had an influence on the profile of international and national rugby. The scoring profile of international rugby revealed a significant increase in the number of penalty kicks (p<0.01). With regard to the origin of tries, there was a decrease in the number of tries from structured play (47 to 43%) and an increase from turnover possession (27 to 43%). The duration of the international matches increased owing to the increase in the number of stoppages, mainly as a result of greater use being made of the Television Match Official (TMO), substitutions and on-field concussion tests. There was a small practical significant increase in total match time (d=0.34), and a moderate increase in ball-in-play time (d=0.87). Results of the study show that the profile of international rugby has changed to a more continuous game dynamic with a moderate practical significant increase in the number of passes (d=0.73), large ball carries (d=1.22) and tackle breaks (d=2.03), and a very large increase in line breaks (d=3.00), which has led to a moderate increase in the number of tackles (d=0.65). The number of rucks (d=0.86), mauls (d=0.90) and scrums (d=1.03), scrum resets (d=0.74) and line-outs (d=0.61) showed a moderate practical significant decrease. Both penalty kicks (d=0.98) and free kicks (d=1.22) decreased significantly. The scoring profile of national rugby indicated fewer tries (p<0.01), conversion kicks (p<0.01) and significantly more penalty kicks (p<0.01). The duration of national matches decreased due to fewer stoppages, mainly thanks to the improved skill level of the players. There was a small practical significant decrease in total match time (d=0.41). The ball-in-play time (d=0.91) showed a moderate practical significant decrease. Results of the study show that the profile of national rugby has changed to a game with more contact situations, with a small practical significant increase in the number of passes (d=0.43), a large practical significant increase in the number of ball carries (d=1.34), tackle breaks (d=1.59) and line breaks (d=2.40), and has led to a moderate practical significant increase in the number of tackles (d=0.63). A large practical significant decrease in the number of rucks (d=1.73) and scrum resets (d=1.36) was found. A moderate practical significant increase in penalty kicks (d=2.04) and a moderate practical significant decrease in free kicks (d=4.53) between 2008 and 2013 were observed. By analyzing the scoring and match profile of international and national rugby, coaches and trainers could be better informed in order to develop training programmes that are specific to the technical, tactical and physical demands of modern rugby. Based on the findings of this study, coaches and trainers should develop individual and team performance profiles to better understand the demands experienced by the players and teams. This type of information could assist with implementing more specific periodization models, strategic planning, drill design, recovery strategies and planning of training loads.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Met die koms van professionalisme in rugby het die spel sedert 1995 vinnig en aanhoudend verander. Een van hierdie veranderinge was verskeie reëlveranderings wat ná die 2007 Rugby Wêreldbekertoernooi ingestel is om die aantreklikheid, kontinuïteit en veiligheid van die spel te verhoog. Die primêre doel van hierdie studie was om die impak van reëlveranderinge op die wedstrydprofiel van internasionale rugby tussen 2007 en 2013 en nasionale rugby tussen tussen 2008 en 2013 te bepaal. Vir hierdie doel is drie doelwitte gestel. Die eerste was om die profiel van puntetoekenning van internasionale rugby tussen 2007 en 2013 te vergelyk. Die tweede was om die veranderinge in die algemene wedstrydprofiel van internasionale rugby te vergelyk en die derde was om die puntetoekenning en die algemene wedstrydprofiel van Super Rugby tussen 2008 en 2013 te vergelyk. Die huidige studie het ʼn studie-ontwerp met gemengde metodes vir data-insameling gebruik. Altesaam 248 internasionale en 646 nasionale wedstryde is deur die Fika Coding Centre opgeneem en deur die navorser met behulp van die Fairplay video-ontledingsprogrammatuur ontleed. Die jaar 2007 is as basislyn vir internasionale en 2008 vir nasionale wedstryde gebruik om veranderinge oor die verskillende jare te vergelyk. Die resultate toon dat reëlveranderinge oor die jare heen ʼn beduidende impak op die profiel van internasionale en nasionale rugby gehad het. Die tellingprofiel van internasionale rugby het ʼn afname getoon in die aantal drieë gedruk (p=0.07). Die oorsprong van die drieë toon dat daar ʼn afname in drieë vanuit gestruktureerde spel (47 tot 43%) en ʼn toename vanaf omgekeerde balbesit (27 tot 43%) was. Die tydsduur van die internasionale wedstryde het toegeneem as gevolg van die toename in die aantal spelonderbrekings, hoofsaaklik as gevolg van die groter impak van die televisiewedstrydskeidsregter (TWS), plaasvervangers en konkussietoetse wat op die veld uitgevoer word. Dit kom duidelik na vore in die beduidende toename in totale wedstrydtyd (d=0.34) en bal-in-spel-tyd (d=87). Die resultate van die huidige studie toon dat die profiel van internasionale rugby meer na ʼn aaneenlopende speldinamika verander het met ʼn toename in die aantal bal-draers (d=1.22), aangeë (d=0.73), laagvatbreuke (d=2.03) en lynbreuke (d=3.00), en aanleiding gegee het tot ʼn toename in die aantal laagvatte (d=0.65). Die resultate van die huidige studie toon dat die profiel van internasionale rugby na ʼn meer aaneenlopende speldinamika verander het, met ʼn toename in die aantal baldraers. ʼn Afname in die aantal losskrums (d=0.86), losgemale (d=0.90) en skrums (d=1.03), skrumhervatte (d=0.74) en lynstane (d=0.61) is aangetoon. ʼn Afname in straf- (d=0.98) én vryskoppe (d=1.22) is tussen 2007 en 2013 waargeneem. Die tellingprofiel van nasionale rugby het ʼn afname in die aantal drieë (p<0.01) en doelskoppe (p<0.01) en ʼn beduidende toename in die aantal strafskoppe (p<0.01) getoon. Die tydsduur van die nasionale wedstryde het as gevolg van die afname in die aantal onderbrekings verminder, hoofsaaklik danksy minder foute deur spelers en beter vaardighede. Dit kom duidelik na vore in die beduidende afname in totale wedstrydtyd (d=0.41). Die bal-in-spel-tyd (d=0.91) toon ʼn matige afname. Die resultate van die huidige studie toon dat die profiel van nasionale rugby na ʼn meer ononderbroke speldinamika verander het, met ʼn toename in die aantal baldraers (d=1.34), aangeë (d=0.43), laagvatbreuke (d=1.59) en lynbreuke (d=2.40) en tot ʼn toename in die aantal duikslae (d=0.63) aanleiding gegee het. ‘n Beduidende afname in die aantal losskrums (d=1.73) en skrumhervatte (d=1.36) het voorgekom. ʼn Matige toename in strafskoppe (d=2.04) en ʼn matige afnamein vryskoppe (d=4.53) is tussen 2008 en 2013 waargeneem. Deur die tellings en wedstrydprofiel van internasionale en nasionale rugby te ontleed, soos wat met hierdie proefskrif gedoen word, kan afrigters en mede-afrigters beter ingelig wees om inoefeningsprogramme te ontwikkel wat spesifiek gerig is op die tegniese, taktiese en fisieke vereistes van moderne rugby. Gegrond op die resultate van hierdie studie moet afrigters en mede-afrigters individuele en spanprestasieprofiele ontwikkel om die eise wat deur die spelers en die span ervaar word, beter te verstaan. Dit sal hulle in staat stel om meer spesifieke strategiese periodisasiemodelle, strategiese beplanning, oefeningontwerp, herstelstrategieë en die beplanning van inoefeningsladings te implementeer

Effect of a skills specific coaching education programme on the skill level of mini-rugby players

It is essential to design age-appropriate activities and practices to develop youth rugby players optimally. The current study aimed to determine the effect of a skills specific coaching education programme on the skill level of mini-rugby players in the Western Province Rugby Union. The participants of this study consisted of coaches (N=6) and players (N=181) from different primary schools in Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa. The schools were selected based on the minirugby structure at the schools, to ensure a uniform environment between the experimental and control groups. Two of the four schools were randomly allocated to the experimental group (n=84) and the other two schools were randomly allocated to the control group (n=97). After being exposed to the 16-week skills programme, the experimental group, when compared to the control group, showed significant improvements (p&lt;0.05) in five of the six skills (passing, catching, picking up the ball, tackling and taking the ball into contact). Although the control group improved in three of the skills, the improvements were not significant (p&gt;0.05). A major finding of this study was that the skills specific coaching education programme significantly improved the skill level of the players.Keywords: Mini-rugby; Skill development; Skill assessment; Key factor analysis; Skills coaching; Coaching education

Positional in-match running demands of university rugby players in South Africa

CITATION: Donkin, C., et al. 2020. Positional in-match running demands of university rugby players in South Africa. Frontiers in Psychology, 11:1591, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01591.The original publication is available at https://www.frontiersin.orgPublication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access FundThe implementation of the Varsity Cup rugby competition among South African universities has sparked interest in university rugby cultures around the country. The Varsity Cup has established itself as one of the most important rugby competitions for full-time students. The development of specific conditioning programs for rugby players requires a thorough understanding of the game and the unique demands of playing positions. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the in-match running demands of South African university rugby players by using GPS during match play for primary and secondary positional groups. Rugby players (n = 40) from two universities were assessed during match play (n = 17) over a competitive season by using GPS. Players were grouped into two primary positional groups, forwards (n = 22) and backs (n = 18), and five secondary positional groups, tight forwards (n = 14), loose forwards (n = 8), half backs (n = 5), inside backs (n = 6), and outside backs (n = 7). The GPS analysis provided the following match-play movements: total distance, high-speed meters, maximum velocity, match intensity, the number of accelerations and decelerations, and velocity zone. Halfbacks recorded the highest total distance (6620.9 ± 784.4 m; p = 0.02) and match intensity (77.7 ± 11.6 m/min; p = 0.01). Outside backs recorded the highest maximum velocity (8.385 ± 1.242 m/s; p = 0.00). Loose forwards registered the highest number of accelerations (385.5 ± 122.1) and decelerations (378.7 ± 108.1). Backs and their specific subgroups play at and within high velocity thresholds, significantly higher (p = 0.01) than that of the forwards. Forwards tend to be involved in a higher amount of accelerations and decelerations during match play, suggesting that forward play is at close quarters to the opposition. During university rugby matches, the backs covered greater distances and speeds than the forwards, whereas the forwards achieved more accelerations and decelerations than backs. Results from the study can assist Varsity Cup strength and conditioning coaches to prepare players for the position-specific demands of the competition.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01591/fullPublisher's versio

The effect of a rhythmic movement intervention on selected bio-motor skills of academy players in the Western Cape, South Africa

CITATION: Solomons, J., et al. 2020. The effect of a rhythmic movement intervention on selected bio-motor skills of academy players in the Western Cape, South Africa. International journal of Sports Science and Coaching, doi:10.1177/1747954120956909.The original publication is available at https://journals.sagepub.comRhythmic movement, also referred to as “dance”, involves the execution of different motor skills as well as the integration and sequencing of actions between limbs, timing and spatial precision. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate and compare the effect of a 16-week rhythmic movement intervention on flexibility, dynamic balance, agility, power and local muscular endurance of academy rugby players in the Western Cape, according to positional group. Players (N=54) (age 18.66 ± 0.81 years; height 1.76 ± 0.69 cm; weight 76.77 ± 10.69 kg), were randomly divided into a treatment-control [TCA] (n=28) and a control-treatment [CTB] (n=26) group. In this crossover experimental design, the interaction effect of the treatment order and the treatment time between the TCA and CTB group, was determined. Results indicated a statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) in agility2 (p=0.06), power2 (p=0.05), local muscular endurance1 (p=0.01) & 3 (p=0.01) and dynamic balance (p<0.01). Likewise, forwards and backs also showed statistically significant improvements (p<0.05) per positional groups. Therefore, a rhythmic movement intervention has the potential to improve rugby-specific bio-motor skills and furthermore, improve positional specific skills should it be designed with positional groups in mind. Future studies should investigate, not only the effect of rhythmic movement on improving specific rugby bio-motor skills, but the potential of its application as an alternative training method during off-season (or detraining phases) or as a recovery method.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1747954120956909Post prin

Modifying scoring system at South African University rugby level changes game dynamics

Success in rugby is measured by winning the game and in order to do so, teams need to score more points than the opposing team. The primary aim of this study was to investigate and compare the scoring profile of the 2011 and 2012 tournaments and to determine if modifying the scoring system at South African University rugby level changes the game dynamics. Sixty-two Varsity Cup matches were recorded and analysed during the 2011 and 2012 season using Dartfish software® package. In 2011 the home teams scored 773 points compared to the 816 points obtained by away teams, whereas in 2012 the opposite were found with home teams scoring 999 points, compared to 775 points for the away teams. The most points were accumulated during the 2nd half of the match during both seasons. Having a scoring profile will provide coaches with information on which mode of scoring their team relies on to win matches. The law changes led to more tries being scored, however, the question remains whether rugby at university level improved as a spectacle.Keywords: Mode of scoring; University tournaments; Home and away teams; Points scoring syste