ABSTRACT
Rugby is an extremely physically demanding game. With the implementation of law changes, ball-in-play time and the number of events players are involved in have increased dramatically over the last 20 years. Modern rugby training regimes are often restricted to archaic methodologies, based upon outdated information. The aim of this chapter is to provide greater insight into the demands of modern rugby in order to provide coaches and conditioning coaches with better information from which they can make more informed decisions regarding training regimes. This activity profile and work-rate information has been provided by a number of studies using either time-motion analysis or Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Pertinent and practical technical and tactical information for coaches will be provided. The literature investigating the basic skills required by rugby players will be reviewed. More advanced technical skills, such as evasion techniques and the tackle situation, will also be investigated. The chapter will be concluded with a review examining the key tactical outcome of rugby – scoring points – in order to provide novel information that might help teams to be more successful.
