ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines techniques such as goal setting, performance profiling, mental toughness training, and coping effectiveness training which have the potential to help rugby players. The important aspect of the psychological preparation for rugby players involves successfully bringing together a number of players to play within a team environment. The performance profile, which was developed by Butler and based upon Kelly's personal construct theory, facilitates self-awareness among athletes regarding the characteristics required to be successful. Mental imagery has the potential to benefit rugby players because it has been associated with skill acquisition, increased confidence, and increased recovery from injury. Coping effectiveness training includes constantly changing cognitive and behavioural efforts to manage specific external and/or internal demands that are appraised as taxing or exceeding the resources of the person Mental toughness is one of the most important psychological characteristics that determines success in sport. The chapter incorporates case-study to demonstrate how scientific principles have been applied in practice.
