Match running performance in Spanish elite male rugby union using global positioning system

The aim of this study was to analyze the movement patterns and physiological demands of an international level male Rugby Union team. Fourteen samples of running performance, exercise intensity, acceleration and impacts to the body were taken over the course of 3 games using a GPS device. The players covered a mean distance of 6162 m per game, with the forwards covering 5853 m and the backs 6471 m at average speeds throughout the games of 4.3 km/h and 4.77 km/h, respectively. For more than 75.5% and 68.5% of the game forwards and backs, respectively, were exposed to heart rates above 80% of their maximal heart rate. The player's time-related work to rest ratio was 1:0.8. Rugby Union can be considered a high intensity intermittent team sport with many and varied non-locomotor activities and actions that occur during the playing of matches. These actions and activities greatly increase the exercise intensity but are registered as being low speed running. Each position in the field requires specific physiological demands.