A time–motion analysis of professional rugby league match-play

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse movement patterns of professional rugby league players during matches played as part of Australia's National Rugby League (NRL) competition. The movement patterns of one player from each of the three positional groups (hit-up forwards, adjustables, and outside backs) during three competition matches were examined using time-motion analysis. Positional groups differed in distances covered (P = 0.001), and covered shorter distances than those described in earlier research. The mean exercise-to-rest ratio was 1:6 for the outside backs and hit-up forwards and 1:5 for the adjustables. However, such ratios did not reflect the most demanding periods of the game, which included repeated high-intensity efforts interspersed with recovery periods of short duration. These periods of repeated high-intensity exercise often occurred at crucial phases of the game, when players were either attacking or defending the try-line. Furthermore, patterns of movement during repeated high-intensity periods of play differed among positional groups. To prepare for the most highly intense periods of match-play, professional rugby league players should adopt position-specific training that includes the highest and lowest exercise-to-rest ratios likely to be experienced in competition.

Movement Demands of Elite Rugby League Players during Australian National Rugby League and European Super League Matches

“…Our findings also demonstrate that the greater volume of high-speed running in the NRL can be attributed to positional groups who predominantly run in open spaces and support offensive plays. 1,4 While the influence of match score, possession and tactical decisions cannot be ignored, reductions in high-speed running towards the end of a rugby league match are known to be indicative of fatigue. 13,20,21 While both groups of players performed similar relative amounts of high-speed running in the first half, second half high-speed running was ~9% and ~27% lower for NRL and SL matches, respectively.…”

Positional Match Demands of Professional Rugby League Competition

“…Recently, timemotion analysis has been used to determine the physical demands of different positional roles in a range of professional team sports, including soccer (16,18,19), Australian Football League (2,4), rugby union (5,7), and field hockey (22). However, there is relatively little information regarding the physical and game-specific skill demands of professional rugby league (12,21,23). The information gained from these analyses can be used to assist coaches in developing position-specific training programs and to direct specific training activities depending on a player's positional demands.…”

The Assessment of Total Energy Expenditure During a 14-Day In-Season Period of Professional Rugby League Players Using the Doubly Labelled Water Method

“…In-season, players will typically train 3-5 days a week and, if selected, play in one 80-minute competitive match. RL is unique to many team sports whereby repeated bouts of high intensity and low intensity activity are interspersed with physically demanding high-speed collisions and wrestling bouts (Austin et al, 2011;Gabbett et al, 2012;King et al, 2009;Sirotic et al, 2011;Sykes et al, 2011;Waldron et al, 2011). Given the physical demands of the sport, players strive to maximise lean body mass whilst also maintaining low body fat, with typical percentage body fat for professional players being 15 and 12 % for forwards and backs, respectively (Morehen et al, 2015;Till et al, 2013).…”