Physical & Performance Based testing of Ugandan rugby union

players

Sam northcott-u3067595

University of Canberra, sport studies

ABSTRACT• “Throughout 5 weeks in Uganda I will be devising and

implementing a testing procedure to identify key physical

and performance markers using the recourses available

in an undeveloped country such as Uganda”

INTRODUCTION &

LITERATURE REVIEW• Research on physical and performance markers in

rugby union has been thoroughly analyzed.

• This research has not been applied to developing countries with a small rugby union base and limited resources

• Literature has been mainly based around performance markers, physiological function through rugby, Injury profiles etc.

• Suarez-Arrones, L. J., Nuñez, F. J., Portillo, J., & Mendez-Villanueva, A. (2012). Running demands and heart rate responses in men rugby sevens. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 26(11), 3155-3159.

• Granatelli, G., Gabbett, T. J., Briotti, G., Padulo, J., Buglione, A., D'Ottavio, S., & Ruscello, B. (2013). Match Analysis and Temporal Patterns of Fatigue in Rugby Sevens. Journal of strength and conditioning research/National Strength & Conditioning Association.

• Higham, D. G., Pyne, D. B., Anson, J. M., & Eddy, A. (2013). Physiological, anthropometric, and performance characteristics of rugby sevens players. International Journal of Sports Physiology & Performance, 8(1).

• Green, B., Blake, C., & Caulfield, B. (2009). Field testing to predict performance in rugby union players. In ISBS-Conference Proceedings Archive (Vol. 1, No. 1).

RESEARCH

HYPOTHESIS/MATERIALS AND

METHODS• My goal is to create a testing procedure that is both

reliable and effective to administer to a range of rugby

union players in Uganda.

• Testing will focus on-

• Muscular Strength & Endurance

• Maximal Linear Speed

• Maximal Lower Leg Power

• Multi-Directional Agility

• Repeat Sprint Ability

• Aerobic Capacity

CONCLUSION• I Believe this topic is important to the development of rugby

union in Uganda, as the sport while growing in popularity worldwide is still dominated by developed countries, not just through skill level and participation, but access to to efficient and reliable measures to test athlete progress using the recourses available to them.

• I hope my research provides an insight into potential testing procedures that can be implemented with both elite and club level athletes, while remaining reliable and efficient in the context of there life style and surroundings.

Thank you.