A study of the University of New England, Amidale, Australia
The current methodology for rugby game analysis techniques is subject to criticism. Accurate quantification of training volume and intensity is one of the main factors of monitoring training loads. From a periodization perspective, being able to characterise exercise during match-play allows setting analytical training methods to obtain desirable peaks in performance. This study on rugby match analysis, conducted by the University of New England (NSW, Australia), presents a criterion used to identify running high-intensity events.
This methodology, featured in the GPEXE analysis software, identifies high-intensity events using the metabolic power curve. Each event is subsequently described in terms of duration and distance covered, a ‘vocabulary’ coaches are familiar with, allowing for the straightforward implementation of synthesis indices. Training drills can be informed by the peculiar characteristics of high-intensity events if the aim is to prescribe match-specific load sessions. In this study, the above-mentioned methodology for rugby match analysis has been applied to a simulated game of Rugby Sevens.
At this link the poster that shows the work in detail.