Effect of the 2016 International Rugby Union Trial Law Amendments on the Physical Running Demands of Rugby Union Games: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the new trial law amendments introduced by the International Rugby Board (IRB) in 2016, on the physical (running) demands of senior male rugby union games. Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking of rugby union players (n=21) was performed during the 2015 ITM Cup season (14 games, played under original laws) and the 2016 Taranaki Premier Club Competition (10 games, played under new trial law amendments). Comparisons, across Premier Club games showed an average increase in total distance covered (6.2%), an increase in distances travelled in high intensity speed zones; >18kmh (forwards: 38.3%; backs: 119.2%) and the average m/min and m/min >18 km/h covered was greater (2.3% and 14.3%, respectively) when compared to the ITM Cup games. The results indicate that the newly imposed trial laws increase the speed and intensity of the game. Within the limitations of the sample size, the results may have specific implications for strength and conditioning coaches as they will need to consider potential increases in physical running load during the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup season in New Zealand that will be played under the new trial law amendments. While additional larger scale research is necessary, S&C coaches will potentially need to prepare the players for these increased game demands, through increased high intensity interval training for speed endurance along with game-based training to increase the overall intensity of training sessions.