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A Comparison of Worst Case Scenario Running Demands Between U20 and Senior Elite Rugby Union Players / GEORGINA SAUNDERS
Swansea University Author: GEORGINA SAUNDERS
Abstract
Introduction. Previous research has analysed the Worst Case Scenario (WCS) running demands in Elite senior Rugby Union and U20 Rugby Union separately, but no study has researched the difference in WCS running demands between the two. Multiple studies have analysed the Total Distance (TD) and High-Sp...
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Swansea
2023
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Master of Research |
| Degree name: | MSc by Research |
| Supervisor: | Kilduff, Liam |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62583 |
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| Abstract: |
Introduction. Previous research has analysed the Worst Case Scenario (WCS) running demands in Elite senior Rugby Union and U20 Rugby Union separately, but no study has researched the difference in WCS running demands between the two. Multiple studies have analysed the Total Distance (TD) and High-Speed Running (HSR) distance covered by positions in Rugby Union but have not analysed the WCS HSR and TD demands. Analysing these demands can aid coaches in creating training sessions to optimally prepare the players for match demands. Methodology. This study analysed the differences in WCS TD and HSR demands between U20 and Elite senior international Rugby Union players. Data was collected from the French, Georgian and English senior rugby teams (n=146) and from the English U20 Rugby Union players (n=43). All players wore 10Hz Catapult or StatSports GPS units. The players were split into forwards (F) and backs (B), and then further categorised into positional subgroups (FR = front row; SR = second row; BR = back row; HB = halfback; MF = midfield; B3 = back-three). The metrics measured were total distance, relative metres per minute, high-speed running, and high-speed running metres per minute. Results. Overall, the study demonstrated that the U20s had higher WCS running demands than the seniors. The backs consistently had higher WCS running demands across all epochs when compared to the forwards. The results demonstrated for HSR WCS demands, there was a significant difference between Elite Seniors and U20s (p<0.001), between Elite senior and U20 forwards and backs (p<0.001), and, between different positional groups (p<0.001). Additionally, for HSR WCS demands, there was a 15% difference between seniors and U20s at 600s epoch. When analysing HSR m/min WCS demands, there was a significant difference between seniors and U20 (p<0.001), forwards and backs (p<0.001) and positional groups (p<0.001). For TD WCS demands, there was a significant difference between seniors and U20 (p<0.001), forwards vs backs (p<0.001), and positional group (p = 0.003). The difference between forwards and backs were all less than 10%. There was also a significant difference for relative m/min between seniors and U20s (p<0.001), forwards vs backs (p<0.001), and positional groups (p<0.001). Conclusion. This study demonstrates the different WCS running demands of U20s and Elite senior international rugby players, and the different WCS running demands between forwards, backs, and other positional subgroups. This novel study into men’s Rugby Union provides new insight into the elite game and will support coaches in creating training sessions in which players reach their WCS running demands, that reflect the demands of optimal match performance. This study will also support coaches in developing training sessions to transition U20 players to the increased WCS running demands in senior rugby. |
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| Keywords: |
Rugby Union, Running demands, worse case scenario |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |