Locomotor characteristics of the women’s inaugural super league competition and the rugby league world cup

Abstract

Understanding the locomotor characteristics of competition can help rugby league (RL) coaches optimise training prescription. To date, no research exists on the locomotor characteristics of women's RL. The aim was to compare the whole match and peak locomotor characteristics of women's RL competition at international (RL World Cup [WRLWC]) and domestic level (Super League [WSL]). Microtechnology data were collected from 58 players from 3-WSL clubs and 1-WRLWC team.Participants were classified into forwards (n = 30) and backs (n = 28). Partial least squares correlation analysis established which variables were important to discriminate between level of competition (international vs. domestic) and positional group (forwards vs. backs). Linear mixed effects models estimated the differences between standards of competition and positional group for those variables. International forwards were most likely exposed to greater peak 1-min average acceleration (standardised mean difference =1.23 [0.42 to 2.04]) and peak 3-min average acceleration (1.13 [0.41 to 1.85]) than domestic forwards. International backs likely completed greater peak 1-min average acceleration (0.83 [0.08 to 1.58]) than domestic backs and possibly completed greater high-speed-distances (0.45 [-0.17 to 1.07]). Findings highlight the need for positional specific training across levels to prepare representative players for the increased match characteristics of international competition.

The anthropometric and physical qualities of women’s rugby league Super League and international players; identifying differences in playing position and standard

“…Due to the demanding nature of rugby league match-play, players are required to have well developed anthropometric and physical qualities [3]. The importance of anthropometric and physical qualities is .…”

“…Due to the demanding nature of rugby league match-play, players are required to have well developed anthropometric and physical qualities [3]. The importance of anthropometric and physical qualities is reinforced by their ability to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury (Gabbett & Seibold, 2013; Lloyd et al, 2016).…”

Hand, eye, and foot coordination test untuk mendeteksi kemampuan dasar lokomotor

“…Penentuan kemampuan lokomotor dapat dijadikan sebagai indikasi untuk mengidentifikasi atlet yang akan cemerlang dimasa depan. Memahami serta dapat mendeteksi kemampuan dan karakteristik lokomotor (Emmonds et al, 2020) dalam keperluan kompetisi dapat membantu pelatih untuk mengoptimalkan program pelatihan pada atlet ditingkat Internasional. Penelitian ini dalam penerapannya perlu dikembangkan dan disosialisasikan untuk mendeteksi gerak lokomotor pada manusia, sehingga nantinya seorang atlet tidak akan mengalami gangguan dalam melakukan koordinasi gerak.…”

Physical Preparation in Female Rugby Codes: An Investigation of Current Practices

“…Rugby codes (league, union, and sevens) are physiologically demanding intermittent contact sports that involve highintensity movements (e.g., sprinting and tackling) interspersed with low to moderate intensity activities (e.g., jogging) (Read et al, 2018;Whitehead et al, 2018;Ball et al, 2019;Sella et al, 2019;Weaving et al, 2019;Sheppy et al, 2020). Female rugby sevens demonstrates a greater relative distance demand when compared to both female rugby union and league (∼80-120 vs. ∼75 m•min −1 ) (Ball et al, 2019;Emmonds et al, 2020;Sheppy et al, 2020). Furthermore, although there is minimal female rugby code collision demand literature available, the relative impacts per game in rugby union and league may be greater than in rugby sevens (Suarez-Arrones et al, 2014;Ball et al, 2019;Sella et al, 2019).…”

“…Physical preparation pertains to all aspects related to physical performance development and requires consideration of contextual factors (e.g., sex, sport, and playing position) influencing injury and performance. Due to the demands of rugby match-play (e.g., repeated collisions and sprints), physical strength, speed and cardiovascular fitness are integral to successful performance (Jones B. et al, 2016;Clarke et al, 2017;Emmonds et al, 2020;Sheppy et al, 2020). These demands may lead to fatigue which is associated with feelings of tiredness, and muscle function decrements (Twist and Highton, 2013).…”