Match-play profile of elite rugby union, with special reference to repeated high-intensity effort activity (RHIE)

The current investigation aimed to understand the positional profile of repeated high-intensity-effort activity (RHIE) across halves during elite rugby union match-play. Forty elite rugby union players (n = 40) were monitored across match-play during a single season. Player’s locomotor profiles were recorded using wearable microtechnology (GPS; Catapult S5, Australia). Locomotor activity was classified across total distance (m); running distance (m; ≥ 4.4 m s⁻¹); high-speed running (≥ 5.5 m s⁻¹); sprint distance (≥ 7 m s⁻¹); accelerations (≥ 2 m s⁻²); decelerations (≤ − 2 m s⁻²); and collisions (≥ 4 g). Peak velocity (m s⁻¹); total efforts (n); high-intensity efforts (HIE), repeated high-intensity efforts (RHIE), total number of RHIE bouts (n), maximal number of efforts within a RHIE bout (n) and recovery times between RHIE (s) were also recorded across match-play. Players were shown to complete 164 ± 30 HIE per game. Overall players performed 11 ± 6 RHIE bouts. The mean efforts per RHIE bout was 4 ± 1 with a maximum of 6 ± 2. RHIE positional differences were reported with back-rows completing the most total efforts when compared to all positions within the forwards (ES: 1.33–5.29; moderate–very large). Significant reductions were reported between halves for all running and repeated effort variables. The data highlight the potential consideration that RHIE should be given by coaches when preparing players for rugby union match-play. An understanding of the positional differences in RHIE can assist coaches in designing training drills that can expose players to these match-play requirements.