To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Rugby ; rugby union.
Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Rugby ; rugby union'
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 dissertations / theses for your research on the topic 'Rugby ; rugby union.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse dissertations / theses on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Darko, Natalie. "Rugby union men : body concerns." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2012. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/10081.
Full textAbstract:
Existing research shows that increasing numbers of young men are dissatisfied with the appearance of their bodies. Research has found that men will use sport and health-related sports acts to conceal these concerns from others. Accordingly, men s body dissatisfactions are documented less frequently because the practices drawn upon to conceal them are perceived as routine forms of masculine behaviour. Rugby union is one of the most popular sports played by young men in England. Historically, the male rugby player is culturally perceived as strong, tough and unemotionally articulate. Existing research draws attention to health issues, such as performance stress and injury that arise through participation in this sport. Research also shows that rugby union players are likely to experience concerns about gaining weight, yet these are disguised within the requirements of training for the sport. Although, there are studies that examine the constitution of masculinities, the experience of pain and injury and career transitions among rugby union players there are no studies, as yet, that examine how rugby union men experience body concerns and manage these experiences through their sport. The research discussed in this thesis examines how a group of rugby union men (25) aged 18-25, of varied racial identity, ethnic and social backgrounds, participating in an elite university rugby union 1st XV team, experience concerns about the appearance and performance of their bodies and the ways in which such concerns develop. It also examines if and how these men used the sport and health-related sports acts, to overcome their concerns and conceal them from others. A theoretical framework, which draws on the concepts of the three theorists: Connell (1995, 2008) Goffman (1959; 1961; 1979) and Bourdieu (1978; 1979; 1984), is developed. As part of this, a new concept has been created from Goffman s dramaturgical approach: that of the intimate dimension. In this dimension intimate relationships occur. It is located away from the front region, (the public), and the back region (semi-public spaces) where less formal relationships occur. It includes the research interview, with a woman researcher, and some other women such as girlfriends, sisters or female friends and also one or two other rugby men with whom the rugby men demonstrated a close bond. Within this dimension the rugby men are more forthcoming about the personal elements of their rugby lives. The theoretical framework is used to examine these men s concerns, how they are developed, experienced and managed. Recognising that cultural assumptions of a tough and less expressive masculinity assigned to this sport can potentially make it difficult for men to express these concerns, a combination of visual research methods and ethnography are used to examine these men s body concerns and their management. This includes collaborative collection of photography and photo-elicitation interviews. The research shows that embodied experiences of discomfort, associated with pain, injury, concerns about height, being overweight or out of shape, and social experiences of exclusion led to the development of the rugby men s body concerns. For these rugby men, their rugby masculinities are influential to the management and concealment of their body concerns. They suppress and conceal their body concerns in the front and back regions of the sport and reveal them in more intimate dimensions. The rugby men s relationships with each other, in the back regions of the sport, were the most influential to this identity, but more importantly, to the management and reinforcement of these concerns. This thesis contributes to filling the gap in existing academic research by examining body concerns and its management amongst rugby union men. It also extends existing research that has found men conceal their body concerns in sport, because it looks at how these men manage these concerns differently in different regions of their sport. Furthermore, a theoretical framework that combines interactionism and phenomenology is used to study sociologically men s body concerns in these different contexts. The combination of visual methods and ethnography goes beyond some of the existing methods used in clinical and sociological research that have examined men's body concerns. They can be used to enhance understanding of clinical forms of body concern and other emotional concerns rugby union men and other sportsmen, of all ages, have about performance, pain and injury. The incorporation of visual methods is potentially widely applicable because they have increasing precedence in sportsmen s lives to analyse performance and to represent them.
2
Phillpots, Kyle. "The professionalisation of rugby union." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2000. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/4498/.
Full textAbstract:
Rugby union was one of a number of versions of football to emerge from the mob games of pre-industrial England. It was adapted in the 19th Century into a pastime taken up by Gentlemen. During this period amateurism was the dominant hegemony, however conflict within the Rugby Football Union (RFU) over the concept of professionalism led to a schism with the working class clubs in the north of England forming their own professional version of the sport in 1895. Over the next one hundred years, the RFU utilised its power and authority to maintain amateurism as the central concept of rugby union. For much of this period amateurism was regarded as the superior approach to sports participation. It was, however, a definition of amateurism that was based on a 19th Century ideal. Changes took place in society, which changed the way sport was played. Sport became more serious and society began to demand only success from their teams. Rugby union was also influenced by the different cultures of the dominant playing powers of the Southern Hemisphere. As the 20`x' Century progressed, an emergent hegemony developed within sport, which emphasised qualities of performance that may be termed `professional'. In the last quarter of the 20th Century amateurism was a residual hegemony within sport and most major sports had become both commercially oriented and professional. In its desire to maintain and promote rugby, the RFU had become dependent on commercialism and had also permitted cups and leagues to become part of the sport. Finally, rather than lose total control of the sport the IRB agreed to allow professionalism. The five years since 1995 have seen a continued struggle for the control of the sport in England and have led some to fear for its survival at lower levels.
3
Lloyd, Sam. "Experiential learning in professional Rugby Union." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2013. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/14982.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of this thesis was to understand the role played by experiential learning in professional Rugby Union. Furthermore, to understand how performance information is utilised by coaches and athletes in every day practice. The thesis employed an ethnographic research method, utilising extensive participant observation, interviews, and document analysis. The thesis draws significantly on the theoretical tools of Scho??n, Bourdieu and Foucault. The key results and findings were that coaches used performance related information as a technology of self , and inculcated a hegemonic ideology. Furthermore, power relations were found and manifested inside the coach / athlete relation that reinforced the coaches spatial and temporal dominance. These dominant power relations were legitimised through the omnipresent ideology, and thus reproduced by the players and coaches. While evidence of experiential learning was documented, particularly with the academy players, the social location of practice marginalised the value of experiential learning in the coaching process. This was because performance information and the use of video based reflection were consistently used as tools of coaching authority, discipline and symbolic violence.
4
Marnewick, Michel. "Can a cross training program improve rugby skills in adolescent male rugby players?" Click here to access this resource online, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10292/732.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of this study was to find whether cross training could improve male adolescent rugby skills. Three major sports (soccer, basketball and wrestling) were selected to form the base of the cross training intervention program. Pre- and post-tests were performed with the entire rugby squad (24 participants) prior to and at the conclusion of the intervention program. After pre-testing, the participants were grouped into either the intervention (12) or the control group (12). Supervised cross training sessions were performed twice a week for 10 weeks as well as traditional rugby training twice a week for 10 weeks with the intervention group. The control group performed supervised conventional rugby training twice a week for 10 weeks. All participants (24) played in a rugby match once a week during the 10 week period of the study.
5
Finnigan, Nicola A. "A three-season analysis of positional demands in elite English Rugby Union." Thesis, University of Chester, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10034/613854.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis presents novel findings relating to the position-specific locomotive and performance-related characteristics of elite (club) level rugby union players in England using data gathered via global positioning systems and time-motion analysis over three seasons (2010 – 2013). In terms of sample size, this investigation represents one of the largest conducted and therefore provides information that is more representative than any published thus far. Moreover, the findings reported in the first study (of this thesis) directly challenge the practice adopted previously by researchers in this field of not considering the running capabilities of individual players when calculating their locomotive activities. The consequence of this is that for certain measures (involving speed zones), the values reported herein are a more appropriate reflection of elite players’ movement patterns than has been previously reported. For example, it emerged that had previous approaches been used, the average distances covered by players in a match would have been either under- or over-estimated by up to ~ 80% in high intensity running (HIR), and 86% in sprinting. In adopting subsequently the use of speed categories defined in relative terms, position-related differences were observed in locomotion. Namely, as a group, the backs covered the greatest distances, with the scrum half position covering the most (6,542 m) and the tighthead prop the least (4,326 m). The outside backs were found to “sprint” the most, albeit up to ten times less than previously reported. Similarly, position-specific performance behaviours were identified, with the forwards participating in ~ 40% more static exertions than the backs, the second row involved in the most rucks (~ 34% of team total) and the back row the most tackles (12 per match). Among the backs, different demands prevailed; the scrum half executed most passes (over 50% of team total), whereas the inside backs engaged in most tackles (8 per match) and the outside backs carried the ball the most (7 times per match). When broken down into 5-minute periods of play, notable changes in demands were evident. For instance, reductions in total distances (~ 7%), and distances at HIR (~ 16%) occurred in 5 the second half compared to the first, implying that the onset of fatigue and/or the employment of pacing strategies. Moreover, reductions in HIR following the most intense periods of play were seen (when compared to the average) for the inside (~ 23%) and outside backs (~ 20%), as was the number of static exertions for the front row (~ 21%), back row (~ 24%) and outside backs (~ 45%), suggesting the occurrence of ‘transient fatigue’ during a match. Collectively the current research provides a comprehensive overview of key physical demands of English Premiership rugby union. Not only does it provide ‘typical’ position-related data, but also provides some insight into the most intense scenarios for elements of locomotive movement and static exertions, which together could assist practitioners/coaches in devising individualised training programmes to prepare players optimally for competition.
6
Paiement, Bianca. "A Comparison of Brain Trauma Profiles Between Elite Men's Rugby Union 15s and Rugby Union 7s Game Play." Thesis, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/40589.
Full textAbstract:
Head impact and subsequent brain trauma is a concern in contact sports including rugby. Head collisions present acute and long term injury risks to the brain ranging from non-symptomatic, concussion, and neurodegeneration. Rugby Union 15s and Rugby Union 7s are the two most played codes of the sport and the physical and tactical differences may affect how brain trauma is experienced (Cunniffe, Proctor, Baker, & Davies, 2009; Colin W Fuller, Taylor, & Molloy, 2010; L. J. Suarez-Arrones, J. Nunez, Portillo, & Mendez-Villanueva, 2012). It is important to consider all parameters contributing to acute and long term injury risk in order to appropriately capture brain trauma experienced in a contact/collision sport (Karton & Hoshizaki, 2018). Impact frequency, frequency-magnitude, and interval between impact have all been reported to affect brain trauma. Trauma profiling is a method used to describe brain trauma using the variables relating to brain injury risk. The purpose of this study was to compare head impacts experienced in rugby union 15s and 7s using frequency of impact events, frequency-magnitude of brain deformation, and time interval between impacts.
Thirty-six hundred (3600) player minutes of footage were analysed for each code, and all head impacts were categorised. Twenty (20) impact conditions were observed and reconstructed. Head to shoulder, hip and knee events were reconstructed using a pneumatic linear impactor, head to head events were reconstructed using a pendulum system, and head to ground events were reconstructed using a monorail drop rig. Results from both codes were compared using non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests and demonstrated that Rugby 7s had a higher overall frequency of head impact, a greater number of head impacts causing higher trauma , and a shorter time interval between head impacts. These results suggest that rugby 7s presents a greater risk for sustaining brain trauma. These results will help expand the understanding of conditions leading to injury, and may lead to better interventions, such as equipment or rule changes, to mitigate risk.
7
Obel, Camilla. "Unions, Leagues and Franchises: The Social Organisation of Rugby Union in New Zealand." Thesis, University of Canterbury. Sociology and Anthropology, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/914.
Full textAbstract:
The thesis analyses the amateur game of rugby union by focussing upon the struggles for control between national and local unions and players. Using historical material and interviews with administrators, current players in the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks, and Canterbury, a local provincial union, I show how the game of rugby union consolidated as the national game. I follow these actors through the shift to a global professional game sponsored by television networks and show how the local advantages in the New Zealand game come to be reconfigured in this context.
8
Duthie, Grant Malcolm. "The physical and game requirements of Rugby Union /." [St. Lucia, Qld.], 2005. http://www.library.uq.edu.au/pdfserve.php?image=thesisabs/absthe18723.pdf.
Full text
9
Brooks, John H. M. "The epidemiology of injuries in professional rugby union." Thesis, University of Leicester, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/2381/7620.
Full textAbstract:
A prospective cohort study of 412 professional rugby union players registered with the English Premiership clubs was conducted during the 2002-2003 season. Injuries were diagnosed and reported by the club medics and the training practices by the club strength and conditioners. A total of 1,090 club injuries (match: 818; training: 260; unidentifiable onset: 12) and 145 international injuries (match: 97; training: 48) were reported. The incidence and risk of club match injuries was 97 injuries and 1,480 days absence per 1,000 player-hours, and the incidence and risk of international match injuries was 218 injuries and 3,076 days absence per 1,000 player-hours. The highest incidence of match injuries occurred to the thigh, however, injuries to the knee were of highest risk. The incidence of club and international training injuries was 3.1 and 6.1 injuries per 1,000 player-hours, respectively. When intrinsic risk factors were assessed, the youngest players (<21 years old) had the highest incidence and a significantly higher risk of injury. Playing position appeared to be the most influential determinate of injury profile, rather than intrinsic anthropometric risk factors alone. The match injury with the second highest incidence and risk was hamstring muscle injuries and a number of risk factors and protective training factors were identified. Results presented from this study have provided the most comprehensive study of injury incidence, aetiology and risk factors in professional rugby union to date. The data provide objective evidence on which to base both preventative interventions to reduce the probability of sustaining an injury and therapeutic interventions to reduce the severity of an injury and thereby reduce the overall risk associated with injuries.
10
De, Villiers Anton. "Identifying the generic competencies of Rugby Union referees." Diss., Pretoria : [s.n.], 2003. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-09132004-152349.
Full text
11
Heffernan, S. M. "Molecular genetic characteristics of elite rugby union athletes." Thesis, Manchester Metropolitan University, 2016. http://e-space.mmu.ac.uk/618365/.
Full textAbstract:
The capacity to achieve elite athletic success is known to be highly heritable and physiologically complex. Recently, there has been a substantial rise in the number of peer reviewed sports genomics publications, however the majority of these have focused on the genetic components of either strength/sprint/power or endurance athletes, with little attention given to team sports. Since rugby union (RU) athletes perform under a well-defined set of rules and parameters, which are ubiquitous across all playing positions, they present an ideal cohort via which to study the importance of genetic variation in sport and as such is the purpose of the present thesis. The aims of the present thesis were, firstly, to recruit a large cohort of elite RU athletes and compare the genetic profile of these athletes to that of a control population. Secondly, because of the large physiological differences between elite RU playing position, the present thesis further aimed to compare the genetic diversity in RU inter-positional variation. 1164 participants, consisting of 454 elite RU athletes and 710 controls from the general population were recruited for the present thesis. Genotyping data was generated for SNPs within the APOE ε4 (rs429358 and rs7412), ACTN3 (rs1815739), ACE I/D or ACE tag SNP (rs4341), COL5A1 (rs12722 and rs3196378) and FTO (rs9939609) genes. Only the COL5A1 SNPs were different when comparing the entire elite RU cohort to controls. However, observations of APOE ε4 frequency did reveal that ~30% of elite RU athletes are at higher risk of poor outcome following mTBI (concussion). Regarding playing position, both ACTN3 and FTO showed position specific variation, with the greatest associations in the backs playing position. There were no associations between elite RU athletes and controls for ACE I/D. When incorporating all of the above SNPs into a polygenic profile, the entire elite RU cohort, the backs and forwards showed significant deviation from controls. Interestingly by using an ROC model the present thesis identified significant polygenic sensitivity in discriminating between elite RU backs and forwards which trended towards the backs. The data generated in the present thesis are the first to show genetic variation in a large cohort of elite RU athletes, with particular emphasis on positional specificity. These data are only the 'tip of the iceberg' in understanding the molecular aspect of elite RU physiological underpinnings and analysis of many more variants are required in addition to replication of the present results. Nonetheless, these data are the first step in this understanding and may have implications in positional selection, position specific training and injury management, in the future. Follow up studies should focus on further recruitment of elite RU athletes and combining genetic data with phenotypic data, specific to elite RU athletes and with particular attention to injury susceptibility.
12
den, Hollander Stefanus. "Measuring tackle and ruck technique in rugby union." Doctoral thesis, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/32648.
Full textAbstract:
Background: Developing tackle and ruck technique is important to improve performance in matches and reduce the risk of injury. Little is known regarding valid tools to assess tackle and ruck technique in rugby union. The aims of this thesis were (1) to assess the validity and representativeness of the contact assessment tool, and (2) to identify factors which may affect the degree to which contact technique developed in training transfers to matches. Methods: Tackle, ball-carry and ruck technique of players competing at different levels of play were assessed in a two-on-two training drill using standardised technical criteria. Technique scores between levels of play were compared to assess the validity of the contact assessment tool, and contact technique scores assessed in training and matches were compared to assess the representativeness of the tool. Physical qualities and questionnaire data on the importance of technique to improve performance and reduce injuries were compared to contact technique scores assessed in training, to determine the effect of physical conditioning and player's knowledge on contact technique proficiency. Finally, tackle and ruck technique scores assessed in training and matches were compared to measures of match performance and contact related injuries. Results: Senior players scored significantly higher in the tackle, ball-carrier and ruck assessment than academy 1st and 2nd level players, demonstrating the good construct validity of the assessment tool. Contact technique scores were associated with performance outcomes in training and in matches, although technique scores in matches were lower than technique scores in training. There were no significant relationships between player's knowledge of the importance of contact technique and their contact technique proficiency. There were moderate to large associations between various physical qualities and tackle, ball-carry and ruck technique scores assessed in training. Players with better contact technique in matches performed better in matches, however, there were no meaningful correlations between contact technique in training and match performance or match related contact injuries. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the validity of a tool to assess contact technique in rugby union with good representative learning design, however progressing the drill into less structured environments is recommended to further improve the representativeness of the assessment environment. Furthermore, the findings highlight the importance of contact skill training and physical conditioning to ensure skills developed in training are transferred to match performance.
13
Brown, James Craig. "Safer rugby through BokSmart? Evaluation of a nationwide injury prevention programme for rugby union in South Africa." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/12713.
Full textAbstract:
Includes bibliographical references.Introduction and objectives: Rugby union ('rugby') is a popular sport that has a high risk of injury. The sport has particular popularity in South Africa with about 500,000 players. Based on concerns about the number of rugby-related catastrophic injuries, the BokSmart nationwide injury prevention programme was launched in July 2009 by South African Rugby Union (SARU). This programme educates coaches and referees on safe techniques during a Rugby Safety Workshop (RSW). To assess real-world injury prevention efforts, researchers have suggested using the six Translating Research into Injury Prevention Practice (TRIPP) stages. Stage 1 and 2 investigate the incidence, severity and aetiology of injuries. Stage 2 investigates the aetiology of injuries. Stage 3 is the introduction of an intervention. Stage 4 is an investigation of the effectiveness of the intervention under ideal conditions. Stages 5 and 6 investigate the real-world implementation of the intervention. Thus, the objective of this thesis is to comprehensively evaluate the BokSmart programme using the TRIPP framework. Methods: TRIPP stages 1 and 2 are investigated in Chapters 2, 3, 4 and 5. Chapter 2 investigates the incidence, severity and aetiology of injuries at four competitive youth tournaments. Chapter 3 used Chapter 2's data to investigate the economic burden of these injuries. Chapter 4 investigates the incidence and severity of catastrophic injuries. Chapter 5 investigates the risk of both general and catastrophic injury specific to the scrum phase of play using the data from Chapters 2 and 4. TRIPP stages 3 and 4 were conducted by SARU and are thus outside the scope of this thesis. TRIPP stages 5 and 6 are investigated in Chapters 6, 7 and 8. Chapter 6 evaluates the effect of BokSmart in on catastrophic injury rates. Chapter 7 evaluates the effect of BokSmart on targeted player behaviours. Chapter 8 uses qualitative methods to investigate coaches and referees' perceptions of BokSmart. Results: Through TRIPP Stages 1 and 2 it was established that South Africa has comparable general and catastrophic injury rates to other countries. Senior players were at significantly (p<0.05) greater risk of suffering a catastrophic injury than younger players. The economic investigation indicated that injury rehabilitation was affected by whether the player had medical insurance or not – this may be unique to South Africa. Through TRIPP stages 5 and 6 BokSmart was associated with a reduction in catastrophic injuries in junior, but not senior players. BokSmart was also associated with a significant improvement in targeted player behaviours. Coaches' perceptions of the programme varied by socioeconomic status (SES). All coaches and referees agreed that the programme was capable of reducing catastrophic injuries in players. However, high SES coaches described difficulties in changing coach and player behaviour, while low SES coaches mentioned their lack of necessary infrastructure as barriers to adoption. There was also negativity about the delivery of BokSmart: coaches and referees felt the course was not practical enough, was too long and should not be compulsory. Conclusions: From BokSmart's perspective, the lack of effectiveness of the programme in senior players should be of concern, considering this age group's greater risk of catastrophic injury. This greater effect in juniors could be explained either by the higher number of players, or greater adoption in this age group. Future research should attempt to elucidate this reason. The barriers and suggestions described by low and high SES coaches and referees should be addressed to optimise the programme's impact. The programme should continue to be evaluated to assess the impact of these suggestions.
14
Maclean, Malcolm. "Confronting foundational myths : apartheid, rugby and the post-colonising of Aotearoa/New Zealand /." [St. Lucia, Qld.], 2004. http://www.library.uq.edu.au/pdfserve.php?image=thesisabs/absthe18314.pdf.
Full text
15
Davies, Madeleine. "The epidemiology of musculoskeletal morbidity in elite rugby union." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2017. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:4ece58c8-d18f-49ef-b9e1-cb17c5d1baa6.
Full textAbstract:
Over 7 million participants play rugby union throughout over 120 countries. Despite this global status, very little is known about the longer-term health outcomes of players, or how health and health-related quality of life are influenced by participation in rugby union. The aim of this thesis was to design and undertake an epidemiological study to assess overall health, the presence of morbidity, and development of osteoarthritis within former elite rugby players. In addition to establishing a study, and assessing health and morbidity, secondary aims were to compare the prevalence of morbidity in this population with age-matched representative population-based survey participants, and to examine risk factors associated with the development of osteoarthritis in this population. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was designed to assess physician-diagnosed morbidity, playing exposure, injury history and current health status. Former rugby players for Oxford and Cambridge Universities, and members of the England Rugby Internationals Club, were invited to participate in this study. Data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and the Health Survey for England (HSE) were used as population-based representative comparator groups. These four studies examine the feasibility of involving rugby players in sport-related healthcare research, the prevalence of morbidity and health-related quality of life relative to the general population, the prevalence and risk factors for osteoarthritis-related outcomes, and finally develop a prediction model of end-stage hip failure in this population. Involving players throughout the research cycle as experts of their own experience was seen to influence the research process and questionnaire development, and ensured this process was grounded in players' beliefs and experiences. In terms of physician-diagnosed morbidity, former players were seen to demonstrate less diabetes than ELSA participants, but more osteoporosis, anxiety, osteoarthritis (OA) and joint replacement. Risk factors for osteoarthritis-related outcomes were seen to vary between the knee, hip and shoulder, and between the definitions of osteoarthritis used (NHANES pain, physician-diagnosed OA or joint replacement). Joint-specific injury was most highly associated with osteoarthritis across all joints and definitions used. The prediction model for hip replacement was strong (AUC 0.88), despite the relatively small development dataset, and again emphasised injury, in addition to Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis, age, family history, and playing in the second row, as predictive of hip replacement. This was not externally validated, however internal validation was undertaken. This work has not only established health outcomes in this population, and developed the methodology and survey tools to replicate this work in other cohorts, but also assesses risk factors and strongly predicts poor OA outcome in this population. This work presents potential intervention opportunities for the sport to begin to address the now quantified health deficits; and also presents benefits of elite contact sports participation. These findings should support efforts to ensure healthy participation and adequate proactive management of health at the elite level, for all players.
16
Parker, Ziyaad-Ahmad. "Factors assciated with success in South African Rugby Union." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/2760.
Full textAbstract:
Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references.
Rugby Union is a popular sporting code in South Africa and the national team (Springboks) has won two World Cups (1995 and 2007). As the pool of players to select the Springboks from has diminished in recent times, it is important for the South African Rugby Union (SARU) to identify and develop young, talented individuals to strengthen the pool of available players. Several talent identification and development programmes have been implemented by SARU with limited success and many of them are not offered anymore.
17
Bennie, Andrew. "Effective Coaching in Cricket, Rugby League and Rugby Union: A Qualitative Investigation Involving Professional Coaches and Players from Australia." Faculty of Education and Social Work, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5739.
Full textAbstract:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)This study examines professional Australian coach and athlete perceptions of effective coaching. Rather than assess the ability or effectiveness of the coaches and teams involved, the purpose was to gather perceptions of what professional coaches and players believe it takes to be an effective coach. Given the broad range of tasks that fit under the auspice of coaching, an important question to address was ‘what’ a coach does in order to be considered effective. In addition, an understanding of ‘why’ and ‘how’ these factors are effective was also essential. These questions formed a starting point in order to find out what professional coaches do (including how they behave), and why players and coaches perceive certain coaching strategies to be effective. This study employed a qualitative research design to identify perceptions about, and strategies of, effective coaching within the professional sport context. Interviews enabled participants to discuss their interpretations of the world in which they live, from their own point of view – a key feature of the present research. Observational data allowed me to view coaching behaviours and interactions with players in training and competition contexts. Using professional Australian coaches and players from cricket, rugby union and rugby league, 6 coaches and 25 players were interviewed while up to 16 coaches and 80 players were observed during 41 observation sessions at training and competition venues. The constant comparative method (Côté, Salmela, Baria, & Russell, 1993; Côté, Salmela, & Russell, 1995b; Glaser & Strauss, 1967) was used to analyse the observation and interview accounts. This enabled rich descriptions of what effective coaches do as well as providing information regarding how and why they carry out certain actions. Findings from the current research indicated that an effective coach possesses specific personal characteristics, qualities and skills as well as a general philosophy or direction for the team. The effective coach uses their own unique leadership, player management, communication and planning skills to create and maintain the team environment to ensure that everyone involved with the team ‘works off the same page’. The interaction of all these features leads to the primary goal of player development, improvement in player performance and winning matches. This thesis identified key perceptions and applications of effective coaching based on Australian professional coach and player experiences.
18
Loveday, Thomas. "Effective coaching in cricket, rugby league and rugby union a qualitative investigation involving professional coaches and players from Australia /." Connect to full text, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/5739.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Sydney, 2009.Title from title screen (viewed 10 Dec. 2009). Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print form.
19
Eaves, Simon John. "The 'convergence of the twain' : a notational analysis of Northern Hemisphere rugby league and rugby union football 1988-2002." Thesis, Cardiff Metropolitan University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10369/7392.
Full textAbstract:
The principal aim of this study was to create longitudinal profiles (1988-2002) for the games of rugby union and rugby league football in order to identify whether changes in time, offence, defence and game action variables, and positional and game performance indicators were a reflection that the two codes of rugby were 'converging'. Anecdotal evidence had suggested that due to certain administrative developments within this time frame many facets of the two games were becoming similar, thereby spawning the notion of a future single, unified game of 'rugby'. This thesis presents the first empirical and objective assessment of whether such convergence has occurred. The data for this study were extracted from 48 video-taped recordings of First Grade rugby league and International rugby union in the Northern hemisphere over the specified time frame. The matches were identifiable by Era (pre-/post-professional) and Period (1988-92, 1993-95, 1997-99 and2000-02). Key aspects of play or performance were distinguished via game models and expert opinion and were scrutinised via a series of specifically designed and validated hand notation systems. Initial analysis considered (and established) the reliability of these systems, thereafter parametric and non-parametric inferential statistical teohniques were employed to identify Era and Period effects within each Code, with the additional analyses to consider the effects of Game Result and Game Quarter Outcomes. The findings from these analyses, particulaily the observed increase in ball in play time, changes at the ruck, maul, and lineout, and alterations in defence patterns of play, have provided a strong argument that the two Codes underwent a discernable degree of convergence over the years being considered. It was concluded that the introduction of professional playing status (rugby union), the summer playing season (rugby league), and law changes were likely causes of the two games being now similar in many respects. Although additional analyses should be encouraged to corroborate the present findings, the case for the development of a single Code of rugby can now be made.
20
Thomas, Gethin Llewellyn. "Introducing children to Rugby Union : retaining players and developing talent." Thesis, University of Exeter, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10871/14131.
Full textAbstract:
The design of age-appropriate organized activities has become a key issue for National Governing Bodies when introducing children to organized competitive games during childhood. For the Rugby Football Union, the complexity, physicality and structure of adult rugby union provides unique challenges when introducing children to organized mini rugby games. Although organized competitive team games are one of the key childhood developmental activities in sport, empirical research examining the development of this type of activity is sparse. A mixed methods convergent parallel research design was used where qualitative and quantitative data was collected and analyzed separately, and merged for overall analysis. Using the Developmental Model of Sports Participation as a conceptual framework, elite rugby union coaches’ views on mini rugby participation were explored. The rules of play of under-9 mini rugby matches were modified to investigate whether the principles of practice from the Developmental Model of Sports Participation could be applied to rugby games; and coaches and players attitudes and opinions towards key components of under-9 rugby explored. In the first study, the elite coaches identified organised competition and appropriate adult involvement as beneficial to player development, with an emphasis on less-structured games and sampling a variety of sports. In the second study, under-9 games based on the principles of practice from the Developmental Model of Sports Participation had 25% more ball-in-play time; 55% more runs with the ball; more than twice as many successful passes; and nearly twice as many tries scored. In the final two studies all under-9 players felt strongly that the game should involve limited structure, no playing positions and focus on passing and tackling. In contrast, under-9 coaches favoured a hybrid version of mini rugby with high amounts of engagement, skill learning opportunities, and structure. The findings show support for an alternative pathway for childhood rugby union participation, where organized competitive matches are a key developmental activity, alongside sampling a variety of sports. The results also suggest that deliberate play principles can be applied to the rules of under-9 rugby to produce a developmentally appropriate game for children.
21
Palmer-Green, Debbie S. "Injury epidemiology and injury prevention in English youth rugby union." Thesis, University of Bath, 2010. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.520932.
Full text
22
Greenhalgh, Paul Andrew. "The history of the Northern Rugby Football Union, 1895-1915." Thesis, Lancaster University, 1992. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.359824.
Full text
23
Grainger, A. "Recovery and restoration of performance in elite level Rugby Union." Thesis, University of Salford, 2017. http://usir.salford.ac.uk/43446/.
Full textAbstract:
Fatigue in the days post rugby union match play is expected, yet accurate assessment of fatigue needs to be quantified via specific performance testing, to better advise practitioners regarding likely position-specific time-course of recovery. Results from this thesis support the notion that countermovement jump (CMJ) provides sensitive and reliable data for jump performance monitoring in elite rugby union settings, with a change in jump height of ≥ 1.7% noted as meaningful. Additional findings from this thesis support the use of a single CMJ (measuring jump height) using an OptoJump, as a reliable measure (CV < 10%) for assessing post-match levels of jump performance when a force plate is not readily available. The analysis of nine positional groups within this thesis added to the current knowledge base of match demands research, with differences identified both between backs and forwards and also within these two positional groups. When assessing time-course of recovery post-match play, CMJ performance was reduced at 60 hours post-match, 90 hours post-match and 170 hours (seven days), yet well-being score was reduced to a greater extent (-9%) and for a longer time-course than CMJ (-6%). Unlike hypothesised, it is recommend that practitioners be advised to consider backs as having a longer time-course of recovery, compared to forwards, with the decrement in performance for up to 7 days post-match within both positional groups having implications for training prescription between matches. Lastly, as hypothesised, collisions accounted for a higher percentage of the higher magnitude impacts than other match demands such as accelerations, decelerations and changes of direction. The differences in activities which account for the impact classification is an important consideration for future global positioning systems (GPS) application in elite rugby union settings when assessing likely fatigue created by match play, with the use of both video analysis alongside GPS data recommended.
24
Hislop, Michael. "Injury risk factors and preventive strategies in schoolboy Rugby Union." Thesis, University of Bath, 2017. https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.723331.
Full textAbstract:
The injury risk associated with schoolboy Rugby has been raised as a matter of public concern, leading to calls to formulate appropriate preventive strategies. Consequently, this programme of research was undertaken to investigate characteristics that might influence injury risk in schoolboy rugby players, as well as interventions to reduce injury risk. The first study of this thesis (Chapter Three) presents a two-season prospective cohort study, which identifies several anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness components associated with injury risk in schoolboy Rugby players. Chapter Four outlines a staged approach to formulating a preventive exercise programme for use in schoolboy Rugby based on scientific evidence, expert knowledge, and end user opinion. In Chapter Five, the efficacy of a preventive exercise programme to reduce injury risk in schoolboy Rugby players is evaluated, demonstrating clinically meaningful reductions in concussion risk when compared with a standardised control exercise programme. In addition, greater programme compliance and dose are found to accentuate reductions across many match-derived injury outcomes measures. Finally, Chapter Six highlights meaningful associations between coach-related psychosocial factors and coaches’ compliance with using a preventive exercise programme, which may be useful in future with formulating strategies to enhance compliance with programme use. To summarise, this thesis addresses the identification of potentially modifiable risk factors and applies a novel approach to reduce injury risk in schoolboy Rugby players, emphasises the importance of compliance and dose in moderating the influence of preventive exercise programme efficacy, and outlines the associations between coach-related psychosocial factors and coaches’ compliance with using a preventive exercise programme in a schoolboy Rugby population.
25
Rust, Ruan. "Quantification of training load in junior provincial rugby union players." Master's thesis, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/32957.
Full textAbstract:
Study purpose: The objectives of the study were to measure external and internal load and recovery status of junior semi-professional rugby union players (n = 36) during the u/19 Currie Cup campaign. Methods: The monitoring period covered 280 days (July – October) and included phases divided into off-season, pre-season and competition. Twelve league matches were played during the competition phase. The variables associated with external and internal load and recovery status were summarised for each player and also compared to each other to establish relationships between these variables. Data were collected either daily (training load, subjective fatigue and recovery) or weekly (recovery heart rate) or during matches (mechanical load, physiological load and training load). Injuries were also recorded throughout the season. Results: The primary finding of this study was that the players' loads (arbitrary units; AU) (605293 AU), fatigue (4.51.3 AU) and recovery (14.12.3 AU) did not change significantly throughout the different phases of the season. Also, recovery heart remained similar throughout the different phases of the season supporting the pattern of the subjective data. There was no clear predictive relationship between training load, subjective fatigue and recovery prior to sustaining an injury (both soft tissue and musculoskeletal). Conclusion: This study questions the usefulness of a wearable device to measure training load (internal/external), particularly since the session rating of perceived effort(sRPE) is cost effective, quick and easy to implement and provides accurate information. Subjective training load and subjective fatigue did not predict injury in this cohort of players. However, these variables can be used as markers to guide training to ensure the conditioning status of the players remains similar throughout the season. In particular they enable individualised decisions to be made about each player, ensuring that load and fatigue in response to the load remain steady.
26
Wiltshire, Huw David. "Performance management and analysis in tier two international Rugby Union." Thesis, Cardiff Metropolitan University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10369/7958.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis was concerned with a performance management and analysis case study intervention with an International Rugby Board (IRB) tier two international squad, focusing on change. An initial interview study investigated the concept of Performance Management (PM) in elite rugby union from the perspective of eight leading high performance managers. The findings highlighted the importance of people management, possessing a strategic vision, achieving simplicity and clarity from complex issues, and creating and managing change in order to save time for athletes and coaches. The second interview study explored the nature of Performance Analysis (PA) in elite rugby union. The findings identified that PA involved interpreting and filtering large unwieldy data sets, the coach-analyst relationship was critical to success, and player-centred analysis needed to promote learning through behavioural change. Collectively, the findings highlight that PM and PA have a number of conceptual similarities that include a reductive approach to identify impact metrics (measures with direct relevance to performance) that provide a basis for context-specific feedback. Both PM and PA provide a structure and agency to a performance learning environment by connecting the multidisciplinary components, and improving the performance empathy of managers, coaches and athletes often in an intuitive and instinctive manner. The critical similarity and function, however, relates to outputs in both areas that save time for those most directly involved with performance decision making. In order to support the case study intervention, an integrated model of PM and PA was designed to help investigate how change could be implemented within a tier two international rugby union environment. The findings demonstrated the importance of a performance review in creating a context-specific strategic plan, and the need for performance standards that move from exceeding organisational best (peak performance) to a level that is consistently higher than that of the majority of peer organisations in the same sector, and over a prolonged time period (high performance). PM creates a currency of feed forward, generates outputs that can always be traced back to the underpinning strategy and performance philosophy, and allows for a cut-edit-paste strategy as opposed to the blind imitation of cut and paste. Integrated (qualitative and quantitative) performance analysis provides impact and iii saves time for both the performance manager and the concomitant learning environment by translating key trends from a reductive analysis of large data into key performance outcomes. The overall findings of the thesis have facilitated a greater understanding of the development of performance management and performance analysis as a prerequisite for performance success in elite rugby union that can be used to initiate change. In addition, the findings have been utilised to re-design a national governing body elite coach award course, and to develop a level six module for final year undergraduate students.
27
Hall, Edward Thomas. "Coaching process in international rugby union : an ethnographic case study." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/16172.
Full textAbstract:
Despite widespread acknowledgement of the complex, holistic and context-specific nature of the coaching process, research has rarely focused upon coaching practice as a comprehensive, integrated and situated endeavour. This thesis examined the coaching process of the head coach of a national women's rugby union team using data collected throughout a competitive international season. A methodological bricolage consisting of ethnographic participant observation, systematic practice observations, audio-visual recordings, semi-structured interviews and stimulated recall interviews was adopted to investigate both the broad parameters and detailed properties of the coach's work. Analysis of the data led to the development of a grounded theory of the coaching process, which was found to be constituted by the interactions of the coach, a variety of associates, and the coaching context. Numerous and interrelated personal, social and contextual factors were identified that functioned to create opportunities and challenges that the coach responded to through their practice. The findings contribute to a fuller understanding of the complexity and holism of the coaching process in top-level women's rugby union, as well as a valuable conceptual framework and methodology to guide and conduct future research in different contexts.
28
Agnew, Marcus S. B. "Game analysis in rugby union a thesis submitted to Auckland University of Technology in fulfillment of Masters of Health Science, February 2006 /." Click here to access this resource online, 2006. http://aut.researchgateway.ac.nz/handle/10292/30.
Full text
29
Gerstner, Ludwig. "Investigating the business model of a professional rugby union in South Africa." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/97325.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to investigate the business model of a professional South African Rugby Union by determining the core logic and practices of the Boland Rugby Union. Information was gathered mostly through semi-structured interviews conducted with board members of Boland Rugby. Additional information was gathered through observation, the media, the collection of relevant documents, as well as other secondary research methods. Boland Rugby, similar to most South African rugby provinces, has both an amateur and a professional arm. The study indicates that Boland Rugby Union offers a strong value proposition to its target segments focused on development and creating a platform for the different rugby codes to participate and develop. The professional arm is focused on providing the Boland Kavaliers with the necessary resources to compete against other provinces. Boland covers a wide geographical area and therefore a good structure is needed to make governance easier. Market limitations and especially financial resources create challenges towards creating a stronger commercial value. Therefore partnerships with local businesses are essential in providing the necessary value proposition. As shown by the literature review, there are strong links between the different business model components. An important finding was the co-creation that occurs continuously throughout the value creation process. Boland Rugby, its consumers, and all relevant stakeholders play an essential role in creating this value. The Osterwalder model used during the study acted as a good structure to capture the business activities. Looking forward, Boland Rugby will have to explore different business avenues through which they can create revenue and further develop their value offering. It was clear that there is a lack in strategic drive to meet a changing market environment, although the union finds itself in a comfortable position as their geographical area will remain theirs. Boland Rugby has financial challenges that accompany professional sport, and it requires a sustainable financial model with a clear strategy towards long-term objectives. The study recommendations indicate that a change towards professionalism is not necessarily the only option, and is not always well received within a structure that is built on an amateur approach. Depending on the future strategy going forward, commercial rationale will play a central role in future decision-making. One thing is certain, good governance and corporate values are necessary to increase the faith of stakeholders in the decision-making processes and leadership of Boland Rugby.
30
Engelbrecht, Louise. "Sport-specific video-based reactive agility training in rugby union players." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/17926.
Full text
31
Tuck, Jason. "Rugby union and national identity in the British Isles since 1945." Thesis, Loughborough University, 1999. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/7208.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis is a sociological investigation into the relationship between sport, culture and national identity in the British Isles with specific reference to rugby union during the post-war period. This thesis is concerned with tracing the changing nature of rugby union and national identity politics over time. The relationship between rugby union and national identity is examined through a variety of primary and secondary source materials. The historical development of this relationship is explored with reference to the official archives of the four national rugby union associations that represent the constituent parts of the British Isles. This archival study is cross-referenced with a longitudinal analysis of reports published in The Times and various other secondary sources. The contemporary relationship between rugby union and national identity politics is researched by focusing on both the role of the media and the perceptions of players. A detailed analysis is undertaken of media re-presentation (by both electronic and print media) of the Rugby World Cup of 1995 held in South Africa. In addition, the views of players from all four `home' nations, regarding national identity, are established through a series of in-depth interviews and questionnaires. This study establishes the nature of the relationship between rugby union and national identity politics. It is significant both to the understanding of the role that rugby union plays in the British Isles but also for the study of sport and national identity more generally. In addition, the thesis casts light on the relationship between media sport and national identity politics.
32
Gamble, Paul. "Specificity in the physical preparation of elite rugby union football players." Thesis, Brunel University, 2005. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/5366.
Full textAbstract:
The present thesis explored various applications of training specificity with regard to elite-level rugby union football players of various ages. A novel approach to metabolic conditioning employing skill-based conditioning games was investigated with elite-level senior professional players, during the course of a preseason training period. Training responses were assessed using a submaximal intermittent shuttle test performed at weekly intervals. Significant differences post-training (p<0.01) were observed for %HRmax reached during the final test stage and recovery of HR from the end of the final stage to the end of the final 1-minute rest period. The second study examined effectiveness of a circuit format for strength training in elite senior professional players during a preseason training period. Following the circuit based strength training, deadlift and bench pull I-RM strength scores were significantly improved both in comparison to pre-tests (p<0.01) and end season scores (p<0.01). Bench press scores were also significantly improved following the training period (p<0.01), and post-test bench press scores were improved relative to end season scores, albeit to a lesser extent (p<0.05). An Olympic lift training intervention was undertaken with Junior academy-level rugby union players. The effect of the application of these lifts on mean power output measured using test apparatus that simulated the ruck clean movement featured in rugby union football was examined. The considerably greater increases of the training group on this measure (28% vs 8%) were reflected in greater statistical significance (p<0.01) relative to the improvement for the control group (p<0.05). A significant interaction effect also indicated the training groups responded significantly differently on the test measure following training. A weighted ballistic push up training mode, incorporating a prototype shoulder harness, was investigated in a group of junior academy-level rugby football players. The training group recorded significant improvements in work output measured using a concentric-only push test (p<0.05), whereas countermovement push-up test scores approached significance (P=0.063). The final study employed an overweight ball complex training intervention. Following training the elite academy professional players who served as subjects showed significant improvements (p<0.05) in right-handed and left-handed mean and peak pass velocities.
33
Hall, Joe. "An oral history of England international rugby union players, 1945-1995." Thesis, De Montfort University, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/2086/16283.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis is the first oral history study of English rugby union. Through personally conducted interviews, it focuses on the experiences of men who played rugby union for England in the post-war, amateur era, and considers what they can tell us about both the sport and the society of which it was a part. The period it covers begins with the end of the Second World War, in 1945, and ends when rugby union ceased to be an amateur sport, in 1995. These fifty years were a time of both change and continuity, and it is a primary concern of this thesis to consider the extent of each in both rugby union and in wider society. Through looking at, in particular, English rugby union’s links with education, its relationship with work in a period in which its players were amateur, and its place on the spectrum of class, this study demonstrates, above all, the durability of rugby union’s social core, even in the midst of outward change to the sport. In doing so, it makes an important contribution to the historiography of both British sport and post-war Britain more generally, arguing for consideration of social continuity among a field largely dominated by notions of change. It also constitutes a unique study of a particular group of middle-class men, and demonstrates that sport – and oral history – can add much to our understanding of post-war social history.
34
Rayner, Michael. "The impact of professionalisation on elite level rugby union : players' perspective." Thesis, University of Portsmouth, 2015. https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/the-impact-of-professionalisation-on-elite-level-rugby-union(81aa967f-b71b-4851-82f8-3eef54fc394b).html.
Full textAbstract:
The game of rugby has changed significantly in the course of its history. In the early part of the 19th century it evolved from a folk game played by ruffians to a recreational activity of custom and ritual for public schoolboys (Collins, 2009, Harris, 2010, Smart, 2009). From the 1820s rugby represented an opportunity for gentlemen to demonstrate physical prowess and masculinity and in more recent times it has developed into an activity that reflects the changing attitudes towards professional sport. For the most part of the last one hundred years, rugby union has been arguably the dominant winter sport of the British upper and middle classes, predominantly the male members of the emergent entrepreneurial class. Over the same period it became an important international sport that represented the nationalistic ideals of a number of countries (Black & Nauright, 1998; Collins, 2009; Dine, 2001; Dunning & Sheard, 2005; Ryan, 2008). However, developments within the media industry, professionalism and the transference to a business ethos within sport during the latter decades of the twentieth century exposed rugby union to the realities of commercialism and the influences of a more diverse participating and spectating public. Rugby Union had to become a sport that embraced the demands of the commercial and entertainment sectors in order to survive and develop in the modern sporting environment. This research explores the historical developments associated with the erosion of amateurism and the development of professionalism within the elite level of Rugby Union. Analysis of the development and impact of the professional game in France, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia provide a basis for comparison with the professional game’s trajectory and impact within the British Isles. Using archival sources, handbooks, interviews with players, manuals and a wide range of other sources, the thesis traces the evolution of attitudes towards professionalism from a players’ perspective and the results developed throughout argues that the very nature of the change in structure of rugby union was not so much a desired direction but rather a necessity.
35
Holtzhausen, Louis Johannes. "The epidemiology of injuries in professional rugby union in South Africa." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/26510.
Full textAbstract:
The first aim of this study was therefore to review the available literature on the epidem iology of injuries in professional rugby. The second aim was to collect data on medical profiles, previous injuries, use of protective gear, medication and nutritional supplements in South African professional rugby players. Thirdly, the incidence, nature and circumstances surrounding injuries in a cohort of professional South African rugby players were documented. The data collected was compared with available literature.
36
Velentza, Elisavet. "A retrospective analysis of talent selection and progression within England's Rugby Football Union Elite Player Performance Pathway." Thesis, University of Chester, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10034/620558.
Full textAbstract:
The England Rugby Football Union (RFU) Elite Player Performance Pathway (EPPP) is a player development system, structured into five playing squads (Under 18 [U18], Under 20 [U20], National academy [NA, age: 18-23 years], Saxons [Saxon, age: 18+ years] and Senior National Squad [SNS, age: 18+ years]), which attempts to develop players to play within the SNS. Despite its importance however, there is yet to be any scientific appraisal of its efficacy in successfully producing SNS players. Appraising the performances of 396 players enrolled on to the EPPP between 2008 and 2014, the purpose of this programme of research was therefore to investigate the nature of player transition and determine the key features associated with match performance between respective squads of the EPPP. To achieve this, the progression rates to subsequent squads, and the anthropometrical and position-specific technical performance data was quantified in conjunction with individual player progression within the EPPP system. Of the 396 players assessed within the thesis, 121 reached the SNS. Involvement in the EPPP was defined by high rates of de-selection during progression to subsequent squads and this was most apparent within the U18, U20 and NA squads. Analyses revealed the proportion of selected players for higher squads was 48.70%, 37%, 57.10% and 61% for U18-U20, U20-NA, NA-Saxon and Saxon-SNS squads, respectively. Within the SNS (n = 121), only 5.80% experienced a linear development (U18-U20-NA-Saxons-SNS) whereas all other players displayed variability with respect to squad pathway trajectories (NA-SNS 0.82%, Saxon-SNS: 50.4%, U20-Saxon-SNS 4.95%, NA-Saxon-SNS 12.39%, U18-U20-NA SNS:2.57%, U18-U20-Saxon-SNS 3.30%, U20-NA-Saxon-SNS 2.47%, side entries [selection from outside the EPPP system] 17.35%) within the EPPP. Thus, progression within the talent development (TDE) system was typified by variable patterns of sequential selection and de-selection processes throughout U18 to senior squads. The prerequisite level of technical performance indicators (TPI), related to generic and position-specific performance characteristics, and anthropometrical features (body mass and stature) specific to six predefined positional groups (front row [FR], second row [SR], Back row [BR], scrumhalf [SH], inside backs [IB], outside backs [OB]), were examined. The SNS revealed similar TPIs to the Saxon squad in all positional groups, only SNS FR were heavier (p ≤ 0.01; r = 0.18) and taller (p ≤ 0.001; r = 0.25) than Saxons FR. Likewise, the results demonstrate that anthropometrical characteristics consistently differentiated respective squads though, on occasion, there were aspects of TPIs that discriminated youth (U18) adult (U20, NA) and senior (Saxons, SNS) age international squads for the six positional groups within the EPPP. Used in isolation therefore, TPIs might offer benchmarks across the respective squads, however the extent of the observed differences between younger (U18 and U20) and older (NA, Saxons & SNS) squads suggests they could be used in conjunction with coach intuition to improve the objectivity of player selection to future squads. Where the performances of progressed and non-progressed players were considered results revealed that taller and heavier players, competing within a higher number of matches, for an increased period of time, were the most important variables influencing progression or deselection from the programme. Where the match TPIs were considered, there were stochastic differences between groups though it appeared as though selected players typically outperformed the non-selected group albeit by small margins and there were fewer differences between progressed and non-progressed in older age squads. Finally, in players selected to progress and those deselected, there was notable within-group variation in the technical demands. Such variation was typified by overlapping IQRs when groups were compared meaning selected players could perform more, or less, effectively than deselected players in any given match. Clearly, such an issue suggests that the technical performance during competition cannot be used to determine talent in such instances. Collectively, the results provide insight to the key requirements of the EPPP, which could be used to develop future coaching, scouting methods, player TDE systems by providing normative levels of attainment for aspiring players, both enrolled or not, within the elite player developmental system.
37
Gabb, Niki. "Epidemiology of injury in elite level female Rugby Union players in England." Thesis, University of Bath, 2018. https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.767568.
Full textAbstract:
Women's Rugby Union has been through a period of transition, from the introduction of professional contracts, to the expansion of international 15-a-side and sevens competitions. Despite increased popularity and growth, little published literature has investigated the specific epidemiology and risk factors for injuries in women's rugby union. This research was undertaken to investigate the injury risk to elite female players in both the 15-a-side and sevens games. Chapter 4 presents an epidemiological study of match injuries in elite club level women's rugby union. The overall match injury incidence rate was 43 per 1000 player hours with a mean injury severity of 36 days. This incident rate is low compared to that of the male game. This suggests that sex specific research is preferable to accurately guide future practices and interventions. Chapter 5 investigates the epidemiology if injuries across 2 seasons, in an International women's squad. With an injury incidence rate of 128 per 1000 player-hours the results illustrate a similar incidence rate of injuries to those observed in men's International competitions but a significantly higher incidence rate when compared to women's club level. The impact of injury and illness on a squad's player availability is an important consideration both for the players' own performance and for the squad's performance. Chapter 6 investigates how environmental factors (e.g. short preparation period, weekly training load and the magnitude of the change in training load) contributed to the number of injuries sustained by an International squad in an intense period of training, prior to a World Cup tournament. Similarly, in Chapter 7, injuries sustained by a World Cup sevens training squad were monitored, across an intense period of training and competition. The high injury incidence rate of 187 per 1000 player-hours highlights the difference in injury risk between women and men, with environmental factors likely to have been a contributory factor. A sport still in transition, continued sex specific research is crucial to ensure the introduction of appropriate injury prevention strategies in women's rugby Union.
38
Nichols, K. "Banter, masculinities and Rugby Union : exploring the relationship between masculinity and humour in men's lived realities of gender in a Northern rugby club." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2017. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/20979/.
Full textAbstract:
The term ‘banter’ refers to a specific type of jocular interaction that is playful in nature, but characterised by it’s often impolite, offensive, and abusive tone. An interactive practice that permeates many spheres of the social world, it is particularly prevalent within male-dominated sporting arenas. Indeed, banter is often an inevitable part of masculine rugby settings, and the people and interactions that help to construct them. Drawing on data from a three-year ethnographic study of a Northern Rugby Club, this thesis is concerned with how men experience and negotiate the gendered structures which underpin such sporting sites. In doing so, it provides an empirical examination of the ways in which banter is used to engage with hegemonic masculinities in practice. Moving beyond current conceptions of ‘the rugby lad’ to introduce the idea of ‘mischievous masculinities’, the thesis offers a nuanced way of theorising the relationship between masculinity and humour that enables greater flexibility in our understanding how men construct, deconstruct and negotiate the boundaries of their gendered identities. Indeed, by examining how banter is used within contemporary sporting communities, we can begin to be more productively account for, and problematize, the agency and diversity that characterises lived experiences of hegemonic masculinity.
39
Hene, Nceba Mzimkulu. "Physical fitness of elite women's rugby union players over a competition season." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2011. http://etd.uwc.ac.za/index.php?module=etd&action=viewtitle&id=gen8Srv25Nme4_6193_1305016359.
Full textAbstract:
The primary aim of this study was to investigate the changes in physical fitness characteristics of elite women&rsquo
s rugby union players over the duration of the season. Thirty two elite female rugby players who were identified as members of the South African Rugby Union High Performance Squad were assessed on three separate occasions (pre-season, mid-season and post-season) throughout the competition season. The players were sub-divided into two positional categories consisting of 17 forwards and 15 backs. On all testing occasions, players underwent anthropometric (stature, body mass and sum of 7 skinfolds) and physical performance measurements (sit-and-reach, vertical jump, 10m and 40m speed, 1 RM bench press
pull-ups
1 min push-ups and multi-stage shuttle run test). A two&ndash
factor analysis of variance evaluated differences in the physical fitness variables between and within playing positions over the competition season.
40
McIvor, Stephen. "Mentally tough teams in professional Rugby Union : important factors, processes and mechanisms." Thesis, University of Central Lancashire, 2018. http://clok.uclan.ac.uk/25464/.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of this research is to further enhance our understanding of the construct mental toughness in professional rugby union teams. While mental toughness is synonymous with sporting success, considerable ambiguity exists concerning what it actually is, how it is developed and, most pertinently in the demanding environment of professional rugby, how it can be elicited on a game-to-game basis. To achieve these aims, an initial semi-structured interview-based study with nine elite players and three elite coaches explored their understanding of mental toughness. The results highlight that mental toughness involves player-specific processes and coaching processes along with an emphasis upon group processes. Building on these results, a second interview-based study was conducted with five super-elite coaches. The results from this cohort reaffirm the importance of group identity in consistently eliciting mental toughness. The results highlight the integral role that the coach plays in challenging group standards and in fostering togetherness and respect. Moreover, the results identify processes that coaches may utilise in developing, integrating and harnessing mentally tough leaders, the alignment of formal leaders and, crucially, how coaches communicate mentally tough messages to their players via the media. In conclusion, in order to elicit mental toughness in rugby union the coach needs to manage the multiple messages within the team environment that enhances group identity and the motivation to act mentally tough. In this regard, in order to elicit mental toughness in a rugby team on a consistent basis, it is essential that the coach is aware of, and manages, individual processes, coaching processes and, most importantly, the wider environment and social milieu. This requires coaches to create an aligned leadership and to manage the multiple messages that players receive, including those from the media, in order to create a mentally tough mindset.
41
Jones, Marc Rhys. "Investigating factors which may influence recovery and preparation in professional rugby union." Thesis, Swansea University, 2014. https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa42486.
Full textAbstract:
To enhance understanding of recovery and preparation in rugby union, the aim of this thesis was to examine the impact of competition on key parameters and investigate factors which may influence the recovery process from competition and training. The findings of study one demonstrate that movement patterns and thus the physiological demands of match-play vary considerably between different positional groups. Additionally, study two demonstrates that the movement characteristics which determine the extent of muscle damage post-match are position specific, and that movement characteristics may be used to prospectively tailor individual recovery and manage subsequent training. Recovery patterns may also be influenced by factors not associated with match-play such as sleep, which has important physiological and psychological restorative effects. The findings of study three suggest that sleep patterns may vary considerably within a squad with many players presenting evidence of sleep disruption, particularly post-match which may be detrimental to recovery. Recovery following exercise may also be modulated by the application of post-exercise recovery strategies such as cold water immersion. However, study four demonstrates that cold water immersion may impede adaptation to strength training in rugby union players. When no recovery intervention was administered during a five week pre-season period, isometric mid-thigh pull peak force and relative peak force significantly increased by 5.4 +/- 4.7 and 5.8 +/- 5.4% respectively. However when individuals were immersed in cold water post-training there were no significant changes in strength during the training period. These findings may have great implications for strength training, particularly during periods of physical development. The findings of the thesis have furthered understanding of the characteristics of performance and identified several factors which influence recovery from training and competition. This in turn may be used to inform best practice procedures in attempt to 'optimise' preparation and recovery in rugby union.
42
Jones, Nicholas Michael Pringle. "Methodological advances for assessing individual and team performance in elite rugby union." Thesis, Swansea University, 2006. https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa42814.
Full textAbstract:
Appropriate methodologies were devised for constructing and assessing individual and team performance in rugby union with an emphasis on providing practical solutions for the coach or performance analyst. The Noldus 'Observer Video-Pro5 analysis system (Noldus Information Technology, 1995) was used for all data collection with appropriate tests for reliability and validity conducted. Parsons and Hughes (2001) indicated varying skill demands of different rugby playing positions but within position differences were not investigated. The first study consequently created performance profiles for all playing positions, via the use of individual performance indicators (Pis), using all players used in 22 matches of the domestic season of a professional male rugby union team. A novel transformation to account for the time a player spent on the field was devised. Furthermore it was suggested that the appropriate descriptive statistics for presenting non-parametric summary information was via the median and confidence limits for a population median. Significant differences were observed between individuals of the same position for the most frequently performed Pis (passing, carrying and tackling for forward positions and passing, carrying, tackling and kicking for the backs) of all the playing positions tested. The findings suggested that while general positional performance profiles appear to exist, intra-positional differences may occur due to variations in an individual's style of play and physical attributes. Hunter and O'Donoghue (2001) suggested specific indicators that differentiated successful and unsuccessful rugby union teams, although between team differences may have contributed to this. Twenty further matches of the same team used for study 1 were analysed using additional Pis designed to analyse team performance. Some of the existing individual Pis were also modified, with off the ball behaviours added to enhance individual profiles. Only two of the team Pis (lineout success on the opposition throw and tries scored) revealed statistical differences between winning and losing performances although a general trend of superior performance was found when the team was winning. The individuality within positional roles that was found in study 1 was further tested and revealed that only one of 13 players' ball-in-hand behaviours differed significantly between two different seasons despite a considerable change in the remainder of the playing personnel. Bracewell (2003a) used control charts to create individual performance scores although no attempt was made to encapsulate team performance. Thus, objective methods of scoring team performance were presented using a single score measure of performance through the use of PI weightings (study 3a), and secondly via the combination of comparative scores for a match (study 3b) using the same 20 matches as study 2. Study 3a calculated a single score using PI weightings based on correlation coefficients between 31 Pis and two elite coaches' assessment of overall match performance. These coefficients squared were multiplied with the performance value of each PI in a given match and combined to form the single score. Of the models tested, the one containing all Pis was found to have the smallest mean bias for scores out of 100 for both wet (4.18) and dry (1.14) conditions, a high correlation (r= 0.77 wet, 0.85 dry) and no significant difference (p= 0.35 wet, 0.88 dry) with the coach scores. This suggested that the model predicted coach scores and thus match performance well, although some variance remained. Further work is needed to assess the applicability of this approach, preferably using coach evaluations for validation purposes only. Study 3b used 18 Pis from the 20th match of the same sample, standardised relative to the previous 5 and 19 matches producing distributions of median 50 and interquartile range 15. The standardised values were plotted on a 'form chart' to provide a visual assessment of each PI on one scale. This, coupled with non-standardised descriptive statistics, provided comprehensive and simple to understand feedback on performance relative to previously accomplished standards that can easily be used within a practical setting for any multi-faceted sport. This thesis has investigated individual and team Pis and found that rugby union performance is best characterised by a number of comparative Pis. Future research needs to utilise this methodology to assess comparative strengths and weaknesses between different teams.
43
Hennessy, Neil James. "The development of elite Rugby Union officiating in Wales : a critical analysis." Thesis, Cardiff Metropolitan University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10369/5677.
Full textAbstract:
Rugby refereeing requires its practitioners to possess certain qualities. MacIntyre (1981) emphasises the importance of moral goods defined with respect to a community of virtuous persons engaged in a social practice. Whereas a virtue ethics account of playing and coaching has evolved (Brown, 1990; McNamee, 1995), little philosophical work exists on the role and status of elite match officials. The significance attached to the outcome of elite sport contests provide principled and instrumental reasons as to why this particular sporting aspect requires attention. Existing sports officiating research deals primarily with psychological (Bar-Eli et al., 1995; Boyko et al., 2007; Nevill et al., 2002; Weinberg et al., 1990) and physiological issues (Castagna et al., 2007; Inácio da Silva et al., 2008; Reilly et al., 2006). This work does little to explain the role and function of elite officiating. This interpretive study aims to enhance role understanding within a MacIntyrean framework, using elite Rugby Union officiating in Wales as its particular context. It examines the extent to which elite Rugby officiating can be considered part of a social practice by investigating the elite referee’s role as an arbitrator of justice and fairness and other responsibilities that may constitute the internal goods and virtues that safeguard the game. This analysis provides principled foundations for identifying those aspects of the referee development structure that represent ‘good practice’ and those that require reform. Key findings suggest (i) that Rugby refereeing is unique within sports officiating, (ii) that officiating is an integral yet imprecisely understood part of the practice; what Morgan (2007) refers to as a social collaboration and (iii) that greater interactivity between playing, coaching and officiating would enhance the growing understanding of Welsh Rugby as a commodified product. Subsequent recommendations include implementing a holistic approach to developing the game through the creation of a Rugby triumvirate and maximising the limited resources in the referee development process through early talent identification.
44
Evert, Ashley. "The significance of dominant ball carrying collisions as an indicator of success in rugby union and the biomechanical analysis thereof." Thesis, Pretoria : [s.n.], 2006. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-12132006-142352.
Full text
45
Chiwaridzo, Matthew. "Development and validation of the School Clinical Rugby Measure (SCRuM) test battery: understanding the qualities or skills defining good male adolescent rugby union players." Doctoral thesis, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/32575.
Full textAbstract:
Background: Globally, the number of schoolboy adolescents playing highly competitive rugby is increasing even in countries such as Zimbabwe hardly known for dominating international rugby events. Given the increased participation rates, burgeoning talent identification and recruitment programs and the reportedly high injury risk associated with competitive youth rugby in Zimbabwe and globally, the minimal qualities or skills defining good male adolescent rugby players need further clarification. This study assembled a testing battery and compared the anthropometric variables, physiological characteristics and rugby-specific game skills of Zimbabwean schoolboys to identify qualities and/or skills discriminating elite from sub-elite male adolescent rugby players and non-rugby players within and between Under 16 (U16) and U19 age categories. Methods: This study was structured in three phases. Phase I developed the School Clinical Rugby Measure (SCRuM) test battery based on amalgamated information derived from narrative literature review, qualitative study and two systematic reviews. Using mixed methods sequential explanatory study designs, Phase II refined the test battery through the evaluation of face and logical validity using key informants (n=5) and rugby experts (n=20), respectively. Subsequently, rugby coaches (n=30) assessed the practical feasibility of implementing each SCRuM test item in the local context considering test equipment, procedural and acceptability issues. Phase III evaluated the test-retest reliability of each SCRuM test item among a sample of elite U16s (n=41) and U19s (n=41). The final study in Phase III compared cross-sectional test performances of 208 athletes from different playing standards and age category to identify SCRuM test items discriminating (i) older (U19) players from younger (U16) players regardless of playing standards, and (ii) elite from both sub-elite and nonrugby players regardless of age. Results: Phase I produced the first version of the SCRuM test battery with 23 variables. Phase II reduced the constituent components to 15 variables. The test-retest reliability study showed high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC>0.70) for all SCRuM test items except for the 5-m, 10-m speed tests and passing-for-accuracy test. Age category had a significant main effect on all SCRuM test items except for sum of seven skinfolds (p=0.45, η2 p=0.003). Playing standard had a significant main effect ii on all variables except for height (p=0.40, η2 p=0.01) and sum of seven skinfolds (p=0.11, η2 p =0.02). Upper-and-lower body muscular strength and power, prolonged high-intensity intermittent running ability, repeated high-intensity exercise performance ability, tackling, passing and catching significantly improved with increasing playing standards. However, the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test, vertical jump test, tackling proficiency test and running-and-catching ability skills test demonstrated greater discriminative ability across playing standards among U16s. The 40-m speed test, 2-kg medicine ball chest throw test, repeated high-intensity exercise test, one-repetition maximum bench press and back squat tests, and passing ability skills test showed better discriminative validity for differentiating U19s by playing standards. Conclusion: Irrespective of playing standard and consistent with previous studies, all SCRuM test items significantly increased with age except for skinfolds measures. These results highlight the sensitivity of component SCRuM test items in discriminating younger (U16s) from older (U19s) athletes. U16 coaches should consider these differences when designing training interventions to assist with the development of prospective U19 players. However, prolonged high-intensity intermittent running ability, lower-body muscular power, tackling proficiency and running-andcatching ability demonstrated greater discriminative ability among U16s only, indicating a possible link to higher playing standards for that age category. Upper-body muscular power, upper-and-lowerbody muscular strength, 40-m sprinting ability, repeated high-intensity exercise performance ability, and passing ability significantly improved with playing standards among U19s, highlighting the physiological characteristics and game skills capable of differentiating elite male adolescent rugby players from both sub-elite or non-rugby players at that age category. Collectively, these findings provide insight to the high school rugby coaches into the qualities and skills contextually relevant for training for the attainment of higher playing standards in schoolboy rugby at distinct age categories.
46
Carson, Fraser. "The psychology of anterior cruciate ligament injury rehabilitation amongst professional rugby union players." Thesis, University of Hull, 2012. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:8442.
Full textAbstract:
[From the introduction:] Within professional contact sports, injury has been reported frequently by athletes as causing stress (Anshel, 2001; Noblet & Gifford, 2002). Particularly within rugby union where injury has been reported as one of the top four stressors experienced by elite adolescent players (Nicholls & Polman, 2007), and the most frequent stressor by adult professional players (Nicholls Holt, Polman, & Bloomfield, 2006). A variety of coping strategies are utilized to manage these stressors, with the effectiveness varying per player (Nicholls et al., 2006). Although to date no research has found a causal relationship between injury as a source of stress and the actual incidence of injury such research suggest that injury can significantly increase the stress experienced by athletes. This is supported by the findings that following serious sports injury, elite athletes have reported this to be a stressful experience (Gould, Udry, Bridges, & Beck, 1997a) which is manifested by concerns related to career, physical rehabilitation, social interactions, further injury, and return to prior performance levels (Gould et al., 1997; Tracey, 2003).
47
Horcajo, Montserrat MartiÌn. "Generating female freedom among women's relationships in rugby union : narratives of sexual difference." Thesis, Brunel University, 2004. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/5536.
Full textAbstract:
Women's rugby relationships are generally analysed from the point of view of men's rugby, otherwise they are overlooked, or treated as incidental. By contrast, the overall aim of this study is to make sense of women's rugby experiences and relations to rugby as a sport in terms of the feminine friendship relationships they forge and develop through on-field play and the informal culture surrounding the game. This research was conducted and written from the perspective of an active participant as both observer and "research subject". Within the framework of Italian sexual difference thought, it is a dialogue between the main concepts which ground this thought and data concerning women's rugby experiences as gathered from my recollection of personal experiences; participant observation in one team in Barcelona and two in London; twelve conversational interviews with my best rugby friends from Barcelona and London; as well as innumerable informal conversations with friends and other rugby women. I have chosen sexual difference theory to make sense of women's rugby relationships because it allows me to approach women's experiences in rugby from the premise that women are not required to imitate or reverse men's rugby meanings in order to make sense of their experiences. This theory derives from Irigaray's premise that women and men are two irreducible subjects. Thus, this study challenges the existence of a neutral or abstract human being. In short, one of the central aims of this research is to challenge the belief that men's rugby experiences are neutral and abstract and, therefore, can be unproblematically applied to women's rugby. The premise that underpins this investigation is a belief in women's rugby experiences as both illustrative and creative extensions, through on-field play and off-field friendships, of the biological, historical and socially interwoven specificity of women's relationships. Thus, another purpose of this study is to engage the reader with the world of women's rugby and at the same time to delve into the analysis of the significant consequences engendered by women's intense relationships in rugby. The ultimate goal of this project is to show how meaningful relationships in women's rugby can strengthen women's beliefs in themselves and dissolve the doubts that women have about their specific ways of perceiving, organizing and "wording" the world (Richardson, 1996). This research is devoted to strengthening and supporting the concept of female existence as original in itself and capable of taking symbolic form. This research also explores the possibilities that alternative ways of writing about women's rugby experiences and relationships offer to sport feminists' sociology. For this reason, throughout the data chapters I have combined sexual difference theoretical concepts with creative non-fiction narratives of women's rugby relationships and experiences. This means that, inspired by my own experiences, recollections and conversational interviews with other rugby women about their experiences, I have created stories that interweave my subjectivity as a rugby player and as a listener with the experiences of others as narrated to me.
48
Williams, Sean. "Risk factors for injury in elite rugby union : a series of longitudinal analyses." Thesis, University of Bath, 2015. https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.665416.
Full textAbstract:
The contacts and collisions that are inherent to elite Rugby Union, alongside changes to players’ physical characteristics and match activities, have raised concerns regarding the level of injury burden associated with the professional game. This programme of research was therefore undertaken to investigate injury risk in this setting. The first study of this thesis (Chapter 3) presents a meta-analytic review of injury data relating to senior men’s professional Rugby Union, which shows an overall match incidence rate of 81 per 1000 player hours; this value is high in comparison with other popular team sports. In Chapter 4, the importance of injuries in the context of performance is demonstrated by showing a substantial negative association exists between injury burden and team success measures. Chapter 5 investigates subsequent injury patterns in this population and identifies injury diagnoses with a high risk of early recurrence, whilst also demonstrating that subsequent injuries are not more severe than their associated index injury. Playing professional Rugby Union on an artificial playing surface does not influence overall acute injury risk in comparison with natural grass surfaces (Chapter 6). Chapters 7 and 8 identify intrinsic risk factors for injury (previous injury, match and training loads) for the first time in this setting, and may be used to inform policies on these pertinent issues. Finally, predictive modelling techniques show some potential for predicting the occurrence and severity of injuries, but require further refinement before they can be implemented within elite Rugby Union teams. Overall, this programme of work highlights the importance of injury prevention for all professional Rugby Union stakeholders, addresses the need to use appropriate statistical techniques to account for the dynamic and clustered nature of sport injury data, and demonstrates approaches through which the injury burden associated with elite Rugby Union may be reduced.
49
Cross, Matthew. "Epidemiology and risk factors for injury and illness in male professional Rugby Union." Thesis, University of Bath, 2016. https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.687386.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis investigates the epidemiology and risk factors for injury in professional Rugby Union with a view to informing injury reduction strategies. Over the last decade, concussion has rapidly become the principal player welfare issue faced by collision sports. Chapter 3 highlights the high and rising incidence of concussion in the professional game and suggests some possible reasons for the changing landscape regarding the reporting of concussion in professional Rugby Union. Given this high incidence, the findings from this study reinforce the importance of further understanding concerning the safe return to play following concussion. Therefore, chapter 4 explores the short and medium term clinical outcomes and return to play of players following a concussion. Players who reported a concussion had a 60% increase in injury risk following return to play when compared with players who did not sustain a concussion. Additionally, 38% of players reported a recurrence of symptoms or failed to match their baseline neurocognitive test score during the return to play protocol. Together, these findings highlight the need to explore an alternative (either a more conservative or different rehabilitation model) return to play pathway. Another prominent player welfare issue in elite Rugby Union is the management of match and training load. Chapter 5 of this thesis was the first study to investigate the training load-injury relationship in professional Rugby Union. Players had an increased risk of injury if they had high one-week cumulative or large week-to-week changes in load. Furthermore, a ‘U-shaped’ relationship was observed for four-week cumulative loads, with an apparent increase in risk associated with lower/higher loads and intermediate loads appeared beneficial in reducing injury risk in this setting. Finally, it has been suggested that the impact of illness on an athlete’s ability to participate can be as significant as that of injury. Chapter 6 provides the first study to investigate the epidemiology of time-loss illness in English professional Rugby Union. Although the burden of illness is significantly less than injury, the high severity and seasonal clustering of illness in this cohort clearly highlights the need for the continued surveillance of illness in this setting. Despite rugby being a collision sport with a primary focus on conditioning and performance, this research programme clearly highlights the potential for modifying existing practice in order to reduce injury risk. Conversely, injuries such as concussion are difficult to prevent without substantial law change, making the practical recommendations put forward in this thesis with reference to possible improvements in the management of players following concussion vital to consider.
50
Gannon, Edward. "Strategies for monitoring and training strength and power in elite rugby union players." Thesis, University of Bath, 2015. https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.655725.
Full textAbstract:
Rugby union requires high levels of strength and power in order to support the physical requirements of the game. The competitive structure of rugby union in the English premiership places limitations on the time available for players’ physical development. The aim of this thesis was to analyse the scope and magnitude of strength and power adaptation potential, whilst identifying effective training strategies to support physical development in professional rugby union players. Chapter 3 monitored lower limb strength and power during the different phases of a professional season. This study demonstrated moderate beneficial increases in all physical capacities over a full season whilst pre and mid-season training cycles represent the greatest opportunity for strength and power enhancement. Chapter 4 assessed the efficacy of complex training performed during a mid-season performance phase and found meaningful increases in selected measures of power whilst maximum strength was maintained. Chapter 5 assessed the impact of pre-conditioning exercise mode selection (cycling or weightlifting) when designing complex training interventions and reported highly individualised response patterns in measures of lower and upper body performance. Chapter 5 also demonstrated no clear support for the short-term effects of elevated free-testosterone on local and systemic muscle performance. Chapter 6 investigated the effects that manipulating work interval duration has on fast muscle activity and power during high intensity interval training (HIT). This study reported greater accumulative power responses and fast muscle activation in selected muscles when shorter work interval durations were prescribed. In summary, scope for physical development exists in professional rugby union players. Complex training may be an efficient in-season training method for power development. Hormonal response patterns represent unpredictable markers of acute and chronic improvements in local and systemic muscle performance. Finally, the endurance potential of fast muscle groups may benefit from HIT protocols designed with shorter work interval durations.