RFU investigate GPS

The preliminary findings of a pioneering study using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to investigate the demands on players in elite rugby are unveiled today.

Researchers from the University of Chester collected 304 sets of data from 54 Aviva Premiership Rugby matches involving eight top flight clubs in the season to March 27.

Bath Rugby, Exeter Chiefs, Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, London Irish, London Wasps, Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks players have worn GPS units to provide a range of information for a PhD study. The study, entitled ‘The Demands of Training and Playing in Elite Rugby Union’, was commissioned by the Rugby Football Union on the recommendation of the Professional Game Board and part-sponsored by the English Institute of Sport.

The first results from the three-year study are highlighted by Dr Paul Worsfold, Senior Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Sciences, and PhD student Nicola Cahill at today's Annual Professional Rugby Conference at Twickenham Stadium.

They show significant differences between six positional groups (based on rugby positions on the pitch) in terms of time on pitch, total distance covered, distance covered at low speed run and high speed run, maximum speed and average speed.

Average time on pitch ranges from 75.63mins for front row to 91.63mins for inside backs

Average distance covered ranges from 4.45km (front row) to 6.84km (scrum half)

Average distance at Low Speed Run1 ranges from 3.15km (front row) to 4.53km (scrum half)

Average distance at High Speed Run2 ranges from 0.15km (front row) to 0.61km (outside backs)

Maximum speed for the positional groups varies from an average of 23.7kmh (front row) to 30.7kmh (outside backs)

The top individual speed recorded in the 54 matches was 36.7kmh (22.8mph) and the greatest distance covered in one match was 8.2km (5 miles).

Dr Worsfold said: "In the past five years GPS technology has had a significant impact on performance analysis in elite sport. We can now accurately evaluate the training loads and activity profiles of players in competitive situations on the field.

"The aims of the study are to focus on the use of GPS in training and game performance to establish positional demands, to identify potential injury risk, and to monitor relationships between training, competition and fatigue.