While studies have investigated speed and change of direction speed in rugby league players, no study has investigated the reactive agility of these athletes. In addition, the relationship among speed, change of direction speed, and reactive agility within the specific context of rugby league has not been determined. With this in mind, the purpose of this study was to investigate a wide range of speed, change of direction speed, and reactive agility tests commonly used by rugby league coaches to determine which, if any tests discriminated higher and lesser skilled players, and to investigate the relationship among speed, change of direction speed, and reactive agility in these athletes. Forty-two rugby league players completed tests of speed (5 m, 10 m, and 20 m sprint), change of direction speed ('L' run, 505 test, and modified 505 test), and reactive agility. The validity of the tests to discriminate higher and lesser skilled competitors was evaluated by testing first grade (N = 12) and second grade (N = 30) players. First grade players had faster speed, and movement and decision times on the reactive agility test than second grade players. No significant differences were detected between first and second grade players for change of direction speed. While movement times on the reactive agility test were significantly related to 10 m and 20 m sprint times and change of direction speed, no significant relationships were detected among measures of decision time and response accuracy during the reactive agility test and measures of linear speed and change of direction speed. These findings question the validity of preplanned change of direction speed tests for discriminating higher and lesser skilled rugby league players, while also highlighting the contribution of perceptual skill to agility in these athletes.

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This study investigated the physiological, anthropometric, and skill characteristics of rugby league players and determined the relationship between physical fitness and playing ability in these athletes. Eighty-six rugby league players (mean +/- SD age, 22.5 +/- 4.9 years) underwent measurements of standard anthropometry (height, body mass, and sum of 4 skinfolds), muscular power (vertical jump), speed (10-, 20-, and 40-m sprint), agility (L run), and estimated maximal aerobic power (multistage fitness test). In addition, 2 expert coaches independently assessed the playing ability of players using standardized skill criteria. First-grade players had significantly greater (p < 0.05) basic passing and ball-carrying ability and superior skills under fatigue, tackling and defensive skills, and evasion skills (i.e., ability to beat a player and 2 verse 1 skills) than second-grade and third-grade players. While no significant (p > 0.05) differences were detected among playing levels for body mass; skinfold thickness; height; 10-, 20-, or 40-m speed; agility; vertical jump height; or estimated maximal aerobic power, all the physiological and anthropometric characteristics were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with at least 1 measure of playing ability. The results of this study demonstrate that selected skill characteristics but not physiological or anthropometric characteristics discriminate between successful and less successful rugby league players. However, all physiological and anthropometric characteristics were related to playing ability. These findings suggest that while physiological and anthropometric characteristics do not discriminate between successful and less successful rugby league players, a high level of physical fitness contributes to effective playing ability in these athletes. A game-specific training program that incorporates both physical conditioning and skills training may facilitate a greater transfer of physical fitness to competitive performances in rugby league.

This study investigated the influence of increased line speed on tackling proficiency in collision-sport athletes. Eleven collision-sport athletes (mean ± SD age, 25.5 ± 4.7 yr) underwent a one-on-one tackling drill in a 10 m grid Video footage was taken from the rear, side and front of the defending player. In random order, players underwent a self-paced tackling assessment (i.e., slow-moderate speed) and a tackling assessment with enforced line-speed (i.e., fast speed). Tackling proficiency was assessed using standardised technical criteria. Movement speed into the contact zone was significantly faster (p < 0.05, effect size, ES = 2.00) in the enforced line-speed (3.8 ± 0.3 m/s) condition than the self-paced (3.2 ± 0.3 m/s) line-speed condition. Fast line-speed significantly reduced (p < 0.05, ES = 1.00) the tackling proficiency of players, with tackling players having a reduced ability to maintain a square/aligned body position (p < 0.05, ES = 1.18), make initial contact with the shoulder (p < 0.05, ES = 0.77), and watch the target onto the shoulder (p < 0.05, ES = 0.61). Moderate effect size differences (p > 0.05, ES = 0.51) were detected between the self-paced and enforced line-speed conditions for the ability of players to contact the target in the centre of gravity. The results of this study demonstrate that fast line-speed reduces tackling proficiency in collision-sport athletes. Coaches employing defensive strategies that rely on fast line-speed should also ensure to practice effective tackling technique under these conditions.

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