Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the game movement demands between professional
club and senior international rugby union players. Data were obtained from 188 players
from 4 professional club teams (Rabo Direct Pro12) and the affiliated international
team during the 2014–15 season. Players were tracked by global positioning system
(GPS) sampled at 10 Hz and were categorized into 6 different positional groups (front
row forwards, FRF; second row forwards, SRF; back row forwards, BRF; half backs, HB;
centres, C; outside backs, OB) and separated into playing standard (club vs. international
level). Data on distance, distance per minute, high speed running, maximum velocity,
sprint distance and efforts as well as repeated high-intensity locomotion efforts
(RHILE) were collected. Significant effects (P<0 .05) between club and international
were found for RHILE in all 6 positional groupings with a higher number of RHILE in
international vs. club games. Significantly (P<0.05) greater total distance and meterage were also
shown in international compared to club for OB position. The RHILE differences between
club and international games whatever the positions appear of practical relevance
for coaches and performance staff to concentrate on training protocols to enhance
this quality as well as evaluation methods.
Key words
repeated-sprint ability - team sports - competition - GPS - rugby union
