Advancing rugby policy, player development and performance

CARR’s research has directly changed the RFL and RFU talent identification and development programmes for young rugby players. This research has revolutionised talent identification policy and practice within rugby by changing the age when players are identified and selected from ~13 to ~15 years to reduce the influence of factors (e.g., maturity) associated with early identification and has increased the number of player development opportunities available within a talent programme (e.g., from 1,000 to 8,000 in the RFU’s Developing Player Programme.) this research has also influenced the implementation of a new reserve level (i.e., Over 18s) competition in rugby league and the creation of a later maturing player programme at Leeds Rhinos RLFC.

Furthermore, coach education of relative age and maturity amongst academy managers, coaches and scouts has been pivotal in increasing inclusivity for player development opportunities. Overall, these significant policy changes to rugby’s talent identification and development programmes has resulted in a greater number of players receiving talent development opportunities within the sports.

Based on the CARR’s physical performance research, the RFL and RFU have implemented national fitness testing batteries within their player development programmes across all players aged 15-20 years. Since 2016, ~2,500 young rugby union players (approx. 60% of academy players) have been fitness tested (previously none) and over 1,000 players (males and females) in rugby league. Clubs, coaches and players have been provided feedback on their physical performance compared against all players nationally.

Within rugby league, this research has resulted in the RFL designing, disseminating and implementing an online, interactive physical profiling data visualisation and reporting tool for use across all professional clubs, club staff and players. The implementation of national fitness testing and reporting has benefitted clubs, coaches and players by providing objective data for player comparisons and evaluations. Furthermore, training programmes have advanced that allow players to improve their performances for enhancing the long-term career development of players within the sports.

CARR’s research has significantly changed policy and club practices for preparing players for the demands of competition and player development. For example, academy match-play was identified as lower intensity, which has resulted in the RFL adding a three game Under 18 academy Origin (i.e., Yorkshire vs Lancashire) into their fixture calendar benefitting over 40 players to experience higher-intensity competition to support their player development.

A league-wide dissemination of match-play physical data was shared by the RFL across all twelve RFL Super League clubs and all 14 RFU regional academies, which has influenced coaches planning and practice. Specifically, at Leeds Rhinos RLFC, this research has informed their Player Development Plan [SOURCE G], which is the overriding plan for all coaches and staff at the club for players aged 13 years to senior professional, used for planning long-term player development strategies. An example of this is how the intensity of coaches’ training sessions has significantly increased from 2017 to 2019 (e.g., running intensity increase of 10-15%).

CARR’s research on fatigue and recovery has resulted in the RFU disseminating their Codes of Practice Age Grade Rugby policy. This policy document recommends how often rugby players should train and play and has impacted upon the changes to a competitive fixture list in youth rugby union to reduce congested fixture lists whilst also influencing Leeds Rhinos Player Development Plan. The implementation of these policies are vital for player health, reducing injuries, enhancing recovery and improving player wellbeing.