This study quantified the field-based external training loads of professional rugby league players using global positioning systems technology across a playing season. Eleven professional rugby league players were monitored during all field-based training activities during the 2014 Super League season. Training sessions undertaken in preseason (n = 211 observations), early (n = 194 observations), middle (n = 171 observations) and late (n = 206 observations) phases of the in-season were averaged for each player and used in the analyses. Large reductions in external training loads between preseason and in-season periods were observed. Within season, a decrease in intensity (relative distance, absolute and relative total-HSR) with a limited change in training duration was observed. These data provide a useful reference for coaches working with similar cohorts, while future research should quantify the adequacy of the training loads reported, considering impact on performance and injury.
HalsonSL. Monitoring training load to understand fatigue in athletes. Sports Med2014; 44: 139–147.
2.
Till K, Jones B and Geeson-Brown T. Do physical qualities influence the attainment of professional status within elite 16–19 year old rugby league players? J Sci Med Sport 2016; 19; 585–589.
3.
JonesBEmmondsSHindKet al.Physical characteristics of international female rugby league players. J Strength Condition Res2015; 30: 1333–1340.
4.
JonesBTillKBarlowMet al.Anthropometric and three-compartment body composition differences between Super League and Championship rugby league players: Considerations for the 2015 season and beyond. PloS One2015; 10: e0133188.
5.
TwistCHightonJWaldronMet al.Movement demands of elite rugby league players during australian national rugby league and european super league matches. Int J Sports Physiol Perform2014; 9: 925–930.
6.
HarleyJAHindKO'HaraJ. Three-compartment body composition changes in elite rugby league players during a super league season, measured by duel-energy x-ray absorptionmetry. J Strength Condition Res2011; 25: 1024–1029.
7.
MorganPJCallisterR. Effects of a preseason intervention on anthropometric characterics of semi professional rugby league players. J Strength Condition Res2011; 25: 432–440.
8.
GabbettTJJenkinsDGAbernethyB. Physical demands of professional rugby league training and competition using microtechnology. J SciMed Sport2012; 15: 80–86.
9.
BorresenJLambertMI. The quantification of training load, the training response and the effect on performance. Sports Med2009; 39: 779–795.
10.
TwistCHightonJ. Monitoring fatigue and recovery in rugby league players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform2013; 8: 467–474.
11.
CumminsCOrrRO’ConnorHet al.Global positioning systems (GPS) and microtechnology sensors in team sports: a systematic review. Sports Med2013; 43: 1025–1042.
12.
WaldronMTwistCHightonJet al.Movement and physiological match demands of elite rugby league using portable global positioning systems. J Sports Sci2011; 29: 1223–1230.
13.
AustinDJKellySJ. Professional rugby league positional match-play analysis through the use of global positioning system. J Strength Condition Res2014; 28: 187–193.
14.
WeavingDMarshallPEarleKet al.A combination of internal and external training load measures explains the greatest proportion of variance in certain training modes in professional rugby league. Int J Sports Physiol Perform2014; 9: 905–912.
15.
GabbettT. Influence of training and match intensity on injuries in rugby league. J Sports Sci2004; 22: 409–428.
16.
McLellanCPLovellDIGassGC. Biochemical and endocrine responses to impact and collision during elite rugby league match play. J Strength Condition Res2011; 25: 1553–1562.
17.
GrayAJJenkinsDAndrewsMHet al.Validity and reliability of GPS for measuring distance travelled in field-based team sports. J Sports Sci2010; 28: 1319–1325.
18.
MacleodHSunderlandC. Reliability and validity of the global positioning system for measuring player movement patterns during field hockey. Med Sci Sports Exerc2007; 39: 209–210.
19.
CastellanoJCasamichanaDCalleja-GonzálezJet al.Reliability and accuracy of 10 Hz GPS devices for short-distance exercise. J Sports Sci Med2011; 10: 233.
20.
McLellanCPLovellDIGassGC. Performance analysis of elite rugby league match play using global positioning systems. J Strength Condition Res2011; 25: 1703–1710.
21.
CohenJ. Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences, London, UK: Routledge Academic, 2013.
22.
GabbettTJ. The training-injury prevention paradox: should athletes be training smarter and harder?Br J Sports Med2016; 50: 273–280.
23.
GabbettTGahanC. Repeated high-intensity effort activity in relation to tries scored and conceded during rugby league match-play. Int J Sports Physiol Perform2015; 11: 530–534.
24.
MaloneJJDi MicheleRMorgansRet al.Seasonal training-load quantification in elite English premier league soccer players. IJSPP2014; 10: 489–497.
25.
FryRWMortonARKeastD. Periodisation and the prevention of overtraining. Canad J Sport Sci1992; 17: 241–248.
26.
GabbettTJHulinBTBlanchPet al.High training workloads alone do not cause sports injuries: how you get there is the real issue. Br J Sports Med2016; 50: 444–445.
27.
WilliamsSTrewarthaGKempSPet al.Time loss injuries compromise team success in Elite Rugby Union: a 7-year prospective study. Br J Sports Med2016; 50: 651–656.
28.
HendricksSTillKBrownJCet al.Rugby union needs a contact skill-training programme. Br J Sports Med2016; 51: 829–830.
