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The relationships between physical fitness attributes and match demands in rugby union referees officiating the 2019 Rugby World Cup

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journal contribution
posted on 2023-01-29, 23:31 authored by Matthew R Blair, Aaron ScanlanAaron Scanlan, Antonio LastellaAntonio Lastella, Codi Ramsey, Nathan ElsworthyNathan Elsworthy
This study examined the relationships between physical fitness attributes and match demands in lead rugby union referees. Eleven referees underwent anthropometric and fitness assessments (40-m sprint, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, 1.2-km shuttle run) prior to the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Match activities were assessed via global positioning system devices (total distance, high-speed running distance [>5 m·s−1], average speed, and peak intensities over 1-min, 5-min, and 10-min epochs) and heart rate variables were measured using chest-worn monitors (HRmean, summated-heart-rate-zones, time above 90% HRmax). Forty-metre sprint time was significantly related to maximum speed (P = 0.004; r = −0.79) and high-speed running distance (P = 0.037, r = −0.63) during matches. Likewise, ∑7 skinfold thickness was significantly correlated with high-speed running distance (P = 0.01, r = −0.72). Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, 1.2-km Shuttle Run Test, age, and body mass index exhibited non-significant correlations (P > 0.05, r = −0.58 to 0.53) with match demand variables. Results suggest it may be pertinent for referees to optimise sprint capacity and body fat composition to execute greater high-speed running volumes and reach higher peak speeds during matches. Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test and 1.2-km shuttle run tests are not correlated to specific match activity variables and thus may not be relevant for monitoring of rugby union referees.

History

Volume

22

Issue

1

Start Page

183

End Page

194

Number of Pages

12

eISSN

1474-8185

ISSN

2474-8668

Publisher

Informa UK Limited

Language

en

Peer Reviewed

  • Yes

Open Access

  • No

Acceptance Date

2022-01-17

External Author Affiliations

Otago Polytechnic, NZ

Author Research Institute

  • Appleton Institute

Era Eligible

  • Yes

Journal

International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport

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