2019 Touch World Cup: An analysis of movement demands by half and gender

Abstract

Purpose

Quantify and compare the movement demands of gameplay in a male only and a female only touch rugby team competing in the International Touch World Cup (2019).

Methods

Movement demands (male: n = 16; female: n = 15) were assessed across 16 games (male open's: 8; female open's: 8) with 10 Hz global positioning system devices. Separate linear mixed models and Cohen's effect size (ES) comparisons were used to analyze variables by half (1^st vs. 2^nd half) and gender (male vs. female).

Results

Within game comparisons revealed reductions in run distance (ES = -0.26; p = 0.003) and worst-case scenario one-minute relative distance (ES = -0.29; p = 0.019) from the first to second half in a male only team. The female only team experienced an increase in walk distance (ES = 0.42; p <0.001) and a reduction in run distance (ES = -0.27; p <0.001) from the first to second half. Gender comparisons revealed the male only team maintained a higher average speed (ES = -0.49; p = 0.006) while covering a greater run distance (ES = -1.03; p = <0.001) and sprint distance (ES = -0.98; p < 0.001) than the female only team. The male only team also achieved a higher peak speed than the female only team (ES = -0.70; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Movement demands of touch games remain consistent from the first to second half in male only and female only teams. However, male only games appear to be played at a higher intensity than female only games. Results from our study suggest gender specific conditioning programs should be implemented to best prepare players for international competition.