2019 Touch World Cup: An analysis of movement demands by half and gender

Purpose: Quantify and compare the movement demands of gameplay in a male only and a female only touch rugby team competing in the International Touch World Cup (2019). 

Methods: Movement demands (male: n = 16; female: n = 15) were assessed across 16 games (male open's: 8; female open's: 8) with 10 Hz global positioning system devices. Separate linear mixed models and Cohen's effect size (ES) comparisons were used to analyze variables by half (1st vs. 2nd half) and gender (male vs. female). 

Results: Within game comparisons revealed reductions in run distance (ES = -0.26; p = 0.003) and worst-case scenario one-minute relative distance (ES = -0.29; p = 0.019) from the first to second half in a male only team. The female only team experienced an increase in walk distance (ES = 0.42; p <0.001) and a reduction in run distance (ES = -0.27; p <0.001) from the first to second half. Gender comparisons revealed the male only team maintained a higher average speed (ES = -0.49; p = 0.006) while covering a greater run distance (ES = -1.03; p = <0.001) and sprint distance (ES = -0.98; p < 0.001) than the female only team. The male only team also achieved a higher peak speed than the female only team (ES = -0.70; p < 0.001). 

Conclusions: Movement demands of touch games remain consistent from the first to second half in male only and female only teams. However, male only games appear to be played at a higher intensity than female only games. Results from our study suggest gender specific conditioning programs should be implemented to best prepare players for international competition.