Match-Play Demands and Anthropometric Characteristics of National and International Women's Fifteen-a-side Rugby Union: A Systematic Scoping Review

Abstract

Curtis, C, Mitchell, S, and Russell, M. Match-play demands and anthropometric characteristics of national and international women’s, fifteen-a-side rugby union: a systematic scoping review. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): e569–e580, 2023—An increased professionalization within women's 15-a-side rugby union (R15s) has prompted greater sports science support and a need to better understand demands of the sport. Online database (PubMed, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus) searches were performed according to the PRISMA Scoping Review protocol. Studies were eligible if match-play demands or anthropometric characteristics of women's R15s players were investigated. After calibration exercises, the lead and senior authors independently quality assessed each study. A total of 1,068 studies were identified; 15 of which met the study criteria. The mean total match-play distance covered was 5,378 ± 626 m (forwards: 5,188 ± 667 m and backs: 5,604 ± 609 m), with first half values exceeding second half (2,922 ± 87 m vs. 2,876 ± 115 m). The mean relative distance (RD) (72.0 m·min−1) was greater than their male counterparts (64.2 m·min−1–68.2 m·min−1). Backs were exposed to more severe collisions compared with forwards (6 ± 1 vs. 5 ± 4). Work:rest ratios ranged between 1.0:0.7–1.0:0.9. Regarding anthropometric characteristics, the mean lean and fat mass was reported as 51.9 ± 5.2 kg and 18.6 ± 4.6 kg, respectively. The mean body fat percentage was 24.7 ± 5.4%. The mean bone mineral density and bone mineral content was 1.27 ± 0.04 g·cm−2 and 3.07 ± 0.2 kg, respectively. This scoping review summarizes the current evidence base and key findings relating to the match-play demands and anthropometric characteristics that can be used in practice to inform player welfare and sport science support to women's R15s players at a national and international standard. Numerous gaps in our understanding of how best to develop and optimize performance, physical demands, and anthropometric characteristics of women's R15s players remain.

Determining female‐specific high‐intensity activity GPS thresholds in women's rugby union: Use of current use of male‐derived absolute speed thresholds underestimates true levels

“…While absolute thresholds are still commonplace due to their ease of application, it is appropriate that thresholds more specific to female players are developed and to address the gap in data available in female sport (Anderson et al, 2023;Cowley et al, 2021). In a recent systematic review, Curtis et al (2023) recommended that further research into adjusted female-specific thresholds during match demand analysis is warranted to address the potential underestimation of distances run at higher intensities due to the implementation of male-derived thresholds. The aim of this study was to assess alternative GPS speed thresholds in comparison to a set of male-derived thresholds, to identify the effect on movement distances and to make recommendations for use in women's 15-a-side RU.…”

“…The ability to produce running speeds in direct comparison to the opposition faced will determine success or failure in a given challenge or match and players must produce physical performance relevant to the scenario occurring (Sweeting et al., 2017 ). As such, absolute thresholds, that treat all players as equal, are useful for convenience or when broadly comparing players within a team across a season, however inconsistency exists in the definition of thresholds across studies (Curtis et al., 2023 ).…”

“…Due to the lower speeds attained by female players, male‐based thresholds may underestimate the true volume of HIR in women's rugby (Curtis et al., 2023 ). While an average decrease in total distance of 18.2% across female studies is observed (5291.8 ± 636.1 m) (Bradley et al., 2020 ; Callanan et al., 2021 ; Nolan et al., 2023 ; Sheppy et al., 2019 ; Suarez‐Arrones et al., 2014 ) compared to male data (6467.5 ± 381.6 m) (Cahill et al., 2013 ; Coughlan et al., 2011 ; Cunniffe et al., 2009 ), when utilising existing male‐derived thresholds, the distance at high‐intensity or sprinting speeds reported across female studies is 74.4% lower (183.5 ± 32.7 m) (Bradley et al., 2020 ; Callanan et al., 2021 ; Nolan et al., 2023 ; Suarez‐Arrones et al., 2014 ) than male players (717.3 ± 145.1 m) (Cahill et al., 2013 ; Cunniffe et al., 2009 ).…”

“…In a recent systematic review, Curtis et al. ( 2023 ) recommended that further research into adjusted female‐specific thresholds during match demand analysis is warranted to address the potential underestimation of distances run at higher intensities due to the implementation of male‐derived thresholds. The aim of this study was to assess alternative GPS speed thresholds in comparison to a set of male‐derived thresholds, to identify the effect on movement distances and to make recommendations for use in women's 15‐a‐side RU.…”

The Physical Preparation of Players for the Rugby World Cup

“…The lack of research in women's rugby is starting to be addressed in both 7-and 15-player formats, but many areas require much more scrutiny. 2 These opportunities include core issues of game and physical training demands; customized training interventions suitable for female players; female health issues, especially menstrual-cycle fluctuations and symptomatology; and the influence of hormonal contraception. Similar to many other sports, female-specific guidelines will need developing through evidence-based research rather than simple translation of studies involving male players.…”