Diego Villarejo

Match-related statistics discriminating between playing positions during the men’s 2011 Rugby World Cup

The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the match-related statistics for the different playing positions based on the match outcome during the men’s 2011 Rugby World Cup. A total of 48 matches from the men’s 2011 Rugby World Cup were used for the purpose of this study. The performance indicators were divided into two groups based on the principles of play: attack and defence. Univariate (t-test) and multivariate (discriminant) analyses of data were done. The results demonstrated performance indicators that measure positive aspects of performance (kicks executed, tries, try assists, runs executed, kick return runs, metres gained per run, line breaks, and offload) as well as negative aspects (pick up and drives, tackles executed, ineffective tackles and missed tackles) which discriminate the final outcome regarding playing positions. This paper discusses the characteristics of each playing position regarding their game actions and their incidence in the game. The results and evaluations obtained in the present study can serve as a guide or criteria to take into consideration when training as well as in the research field of rugby with regard to game patterns.

Design, validation, and reliability of an observational instrument for ball possessions in rugby union

The purpose of this paper was to design and validate an observational instrument to analyse ball possessions in rugby union. The instrument design and validation was done in six stages. The first and second stages had the objective of designing the observational instrument, a category system. In the third and fourth stages, the content validity was established and calculated. In the fifth stage, the instrument’s reliability was tested. In the sixth stage, the observers used and applied the designed instrument. The number of experts that participated in the present study was 56 coaches. The final instrument included 99 behaviours for observation. Sixty were related to the initial phase, 14 were related to the game phase, and 25 were related to the end phase. Since all variables had an Aikeńs V greater than 0.85, they were pertinent. This instrument design is valid and reliable for describing ball possessions in rugby and also for differentiating winning and losing technical and tactical performances. It allows for the analysis of the performance of rugby teams from a technical and tactical perspective.

Match profiles for establishing position specific rehabilitation for rugby union players

The aim of this study was to quantify and describe the frequency and type of actions in terms of playing positions. We collected data from 48 matches at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. We found statistically significant differences between forwards and backs in many of the studied variables. The back row playing position obtained higher average total runs in the following variables: attempted tackles, made tackles, ruck and maul, and run tight. The results can be used as reference values for designing rehabilitation protocols in the stages of recovery for each position, in terms of type of exercise, volume and intensity.

Comparación entre las preferencias en acciones técnico-tácticas de jugadores de rugby en edad escolar, etapa universitaria y adultos en la Región de Murcia

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar y esclarecer la satisfaccion y preferencias de los jugadores de rugby en la Region de Murcia, y si estas preferencias evolucionan con la edad y la experiencia deportiva. La muestra de este estudio estuvo compuesta por 210 jugadores de la Federacion Murciana de Rugby. Los resultados mas importantes de este estudio mostraron que la accion tecnico-tactica mas valorada por los escolares (M=9.07) y universitarios (M=8.76) fue “ensayar”, mientras que para los adultos fue “placar” (M=8.78) y “recuperar balones” (M=8.66). Lasfases de juego mas valoradas,por escolares (M=8.98), universitarios (M=8.61) y adultos (M=8.43)fue la fase de ataque. Se encontro una mayor valoracion y preferencia por las situaciones numericas de juego de 6x6 y 7x7 en todos los grupos. Este tipo de trabajo, aplicado a un contexto determinado, permite establecer acciones concretas de ensenanza y entrenamiento atendiendo a realidades contextuales.