Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Professional Rugby Union'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

[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).

Prolonged and intense exercise is known to modulate and suppress certain aspects of the immunoendocrine system. Such effects are thought to be largely mediated by the release of stress hormones and regulatory cytokines which originate from a variety of stress related paradigms in sport. These include acute physical exertion, chronic and repetitive exercise as well as other psychological and psychosocial aspects of training and competing in an elite environment. It may be of particular interest to study the effects of regular competition and training on immunoendocrine markers in rugby union players. At the professional level, rugby is an intense and physically demanding game where a significant amount of tissue trauma occurs as a result of the many game collisions. The aims of the studies outlined in this thesis were to determine the effects of acute, repeated and chronic exercise exposure on immunoendocrine markers and illness incidence in professional rugby union. Additional case studies were also undertaken to supplement main study findings. The first part of the thesis documented the effects of acute and repeated exercise on immunoendocrine markers in a cohort of international rugby union players. Data in study 1 showed that large disturbances in immunoendocine and hormone levels occur in players (n = 10) following game play. The magnitude of this response appeared dependent on game physicality (number of rucks/mauls, tackles) and the number of collisions players received during match play. Findings also showed suppression in host immunity, and in particular, innate immune function (neutrophil degranulation) which was not resolved 38 h (-29%) into the recovery period. In study 2, bloods were taken from players (n = 8) across a 21-day international rugby series. Data revealed that players entered the international camp with residual muscle damage (creatine kinase; CK) and inflammation (hs-CRP) following previous club involvement in European cup rugby. Further increases in stress related markers (cortisol, IL-6, CK, CRP) were not evident throughout the players time at the international training base. Conversely, a progressive increase in anabolic-catabolic balance (T/C ratio) was observed across time. In comparison to values on camp-entry (day 1), increases in T/C ratio were evident on day-5 (9.8%), day-7 (13%), day-19 (35%) and day-21 (45%) (P < 0.05). This data is suggestive of improved physiological recovery and was commensurate with team fitness goals (reduced volume + maintenance of training intensity) for that time. Findings suggest that monitoring of player club activities and training load preceding international duty is pertinent if they are required to represent their country inside 7 days. The second part of the thesis evaluated the stress induced effects of chronic rugby exposure in professional club players. Questionnaire data analysed from study 3 showed that players (n = 65) perceived current season length as being ‘too long’ (55%), ‘poorly structured’ (56%) and that game demands are increasing with time (52%). Furthermore, the majority of players (80%) felt that time ‘away’ from rugby was not sufficiently long enough and were in favour of a mid-season break (2 wks in duration). Investigation into the effects of chronic exercise on illness incidence, immunological and psychological state was carried out in a squad of club players (n = 30) over a competitive season (n = 48 wks) in studies 4-6. Findings revealed that specific periods in a rugby season resulted in disturbances to hormonal and immune status. These periods occurred following breaks in club game fixtures [November international and Six-nations period: February/early March], times of increased training intensity and increased ratio of conditioning/rugby activity. Peaks in number of upper respiratory illnesses (URIs) and disturbances in psychometric variables also occurred during these time periods. In 23% of all URIs, players reported that the presence of the illness either reduced activity (14.4%) or felt the need to go to bed (8.6%). Positional differences in variables were also observed. A higher incidence of URIs (3.4 vs 4.3) and lower concentrations of resting immune markers [salivary lysozyme: s-Lys (-31%); immunoglobulin A: s-IgA (-27%)] was observed in ‘backs’ (vs forwards) over the season. Higher mid-season cortisol levels was also observed in backs (P < 0.05) while conversely, greater concentrations of plasma CK and CRP were found in forwards throughout the season. These findings indicate positional specific differences in response to exercise load and point to the role of group specific recovery at certain times during the season. Data from study 6 showed that the number of training related complaints decreased across the season, findings which closely resembled corresponding decreases in plasma CRP values. This data is suggestive of a ‘repeated-bout’ effect or ‘contact adaptation’ in rugby union. Finally, comparison of methods used in the recording of illness data revealed that players were more honest when disclosing the existence of banal infections to a web-based training diary and under-reported infections to medical staff.

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.

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.

Rugby Union is a popular sport both internationally and nationally. The sport has seen a rise in high-intensity activity and is more physically demanding on players since turning professional in 1995. Over the past decade, professional rugby players have made frequent appearances in the media due to lapses in psychological, physical, and social wellbeing, suggesting professional rugby players may experience compromised health. Research has largely ignored rugby players' health when health is defined beyond injury. The present study aimed to provide insight into the health of professional rugby players by investigating two components of health, namely psychological and physical wellbeing and the relationship between these facets. Two hundred and thirty-eight (238) professional male rugby union players, situated at the Investec Rugby Academy participated in the study. Psychological wellbeing (PW) was measured by the State Trait Personality Inventory (form Y) (STPI-Y) and the Sport Competitive Anxiety Test (adult form) (SCAT-A). Physical wellbeing was defined as health-related physical fitness (HRPF). HRPF was assessed by measurements of the rugby players' body composition, physical fitness, and heart health. Pearson's correlation co-efficient was calculated between the variables used to measure HRPF and PW. The results showed the rugby players experience average levels of competitive anxiety, above average levels of anger, anxiety, and depression and a relatively high level of curiosity. The rugby players had a high level of HRPF, with the exception of body composition (particularly BMI), cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength and endurance, and heart health (when measured according to the CSI), which indicate a moderate risk to the players' health. Furthermore, the results show significant correlations between variables of HRPF and PW in the rugby players. The findings that indicate professional rugby players do not experience optimal PW and HRPF, as well as the significant correlations found between the variables of the rugby players PW and HRPF, suggest these players may be in a state of overtraining or experiencing overtraining syndrome.
Mini Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2016.
Psychology
MA
Unrestricted

Hamstring injuries have a high prevalence in rugby union players. Delayed transverse abdominus activation as well as lordosis is associated with hamstring injuries. No literature regarding this relationship in rugby players could have been found. The main purpose of this study was therefore to determine the relationship between pelvic biomechanics (transverse abdominus activation and pelvis tilt) and gluteus maximus, hamstring and erector spinae activation patterns in semi–professional rugby union players as well as the relationship of the above mentioned variables and hamstring injuries. A total of 65 players voluntarily participated in this study. Pelvis tilt (left and right) was assessed by Dartfish version 4.06.0 (Dartfish, Switzerland). Transverse abdominus activation (TrA) was assessed by pressure biofeedback and the mean onset times of the left and right gluteus maximus (GM), biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST) and lumbar erector spinae (LES) was measured with electromyography (EMG). In order to determine the role of the pelvic biomechanics and activation patterns on hamstring injuries, players were retrospectively grouped in injured and uninjured groups. Differences between the groups were determined with regards to the variables determined. Activation patterns were determined by means of descriptive statistics. The between–group pelvic biomechanic (pelvic tilt and TrA) differences in the muscle (GM, LES and hamstrings) onset times were analysed by determining practical significance by means of effect sizes. An anterior pelvic tilt on the left side was observed in 64.6% of the participants and on the right side in 83.1% of the participants. TrA testing indicated that 68.4% of participants were classified with bad activation and 31.6% with good activation. No practical significant difference was found in the mean onset times of each muscle relative to the other in the normal and anterior tilted pelvis groups as well as in the bad and good TrA groups. A total of 24.6% of the rugby players previously suffered from hamstring injuries, 37.5% of those injured participants were suffering from re–injury. No practical significant between group differences were found when the injured and uninjured groups were compared with regards to anterior pelvis tilt values (d=0.061) and TrA values (d=0.189). EMG results on the right and left side of the injured and uninjured participants present a pattern of the following activation order: LES, GM, BF and lastly ST. No practical significant between groups differences were found in the onset times of the muscles relative to each other in the injured compared to uninjured groups. The conclusions that can be drawn from this study is that semi–professional rugby union players (injured and uninjured) are prone to postural defects such as anterior tilt of the pelvis and bad TrA. Anterior pelvic tilt and bad TrA may be the reason for the earlier activation of the LES and hamstrings muscles relative to the GM in the prone hip extension to stabilize the lumbar spine. These activation patterns were however not influenced by previous hamstring injuries.
Thesis (M.A. (Biokinetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Super Rugby is an international competition played in the southern hemisphere with participating teams required to undertake multiple travel during a season. This thesis investigated the direct and complex relationship between regular air travel and athletes’ psycho-physiological response and performance. The first two studies investigated the impact of travel on team performance during the first 21 years of the competition (1996-2006). Study 1 showed the predominant role of the away-match disadvantage in determine match results following the longest flights and greatest time zones shifts, whilst the results from study 2 suggests that fatigue related to long-haul travel and the increased physical demand of the game negatively impacted team performance measured using Key Performance Indicators. Study 3 was a socio-physiological analysis of all travel related issues and solutions, as reported by travel managers from eight Super Rugby teams. The results show that psychological and emotional well-being may take primacy over physiological wellness as team culture and cohesion may be as important as biological interventions in controlling the negative effects of travel on players’ performance and well-being. Studies 4 and 5 monitored players from four teams and investigated their individual response to long-haul trans-meridian travel, with a focus on sleep (study 4), wellness and performance (study 5). The results suggest that, although the effects of travel on individual performance appear to be limited, long-haul travel had a substantially negative impact on players’ sleep and wellness. Further studies should investigate the potential impact of sleep disruptions and reduced wellness on players’ general health and well-being. The findings of this thesis should be of interest to all coaches and supporting staff in sports that require international travel to compete.