Résumé indisponible. / Résumé indisponible.

Thesis (MSpor)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / Bibliography. Also available via the Internet.

This thesis presents novel findings relating to the position-specific locomotive and performance-related characteristics of elite (club) level rugby union players in England using data gathered via global positioning systems and time-motion analysis over three seasons (2010 – 2013). In terms of sample size, this investigation represents one of the largest conducted and therefore provides information that is more representative than any published thus far. Moreover, the findings reported in the first study (of this thesis) directly challenge the practice adopted previously by researchers in this field of not considering the running capabilities of individual players when calculating their locomotive activities. The consequence of this is that for certain measures (involving speed zones), the values reported herein are a more appropriate reflection of elite players’ movement patterns than has been previously reported. For example, it emerged that had previous approaches been used, the average distances covered by players in a match would have been either under- or over-estimated by up to ~ 80% in high intensity running (HIR), and 86% in sprinting. In adopting subsequently the use of speed categories defined in relative terms, position-related differences were observed in locomotion. Namely, as a group, the backs covered the greatest distances, with the scrum half position covering the most (6,542 m) and the tighthead prop the least (4,326 m). The outside backs were found to “sprint” the most, albeit up to ten times less than previously reported. Similarly, position-specific performance behaviours were identified, with the forwards participating in ~ 40% more static exertions than the backs, the second row involved in the most rucks (~ 34% of team total) and the back row the most tackles (12 per match). Among the backs, different demands prevailed; the scrum half executed most passes (over 50% of team total), whereas the inside backs engaged in most tackles (8 per match) and the outside backs carried the ball the most (7 times per match). When broken down into 5-minute periods of play, notable changes in demands were evident. For instance, reductions in total distances (~ 7%), and distances at HIR (~ 16%) occurred in 5 the second half compared to the first, implying that the onset of fatigue and/or the employment of pacing strategies. Moreover, reductions in HIR following the most intense periods of play were seen (when compared to the average) for the inside (~ 23%) and outside backs (~ 20%), as was the number of static exertions for the front row (~ 21%), back row (~ 24%) and outside backs (~ 45%), suggesting the occurrence of ‘transient fatigue’ during a match. Collectively the current research provides a comprehensive overview of key physical demands of English Premiership rugby union. Not only does it provide ‘typical’ position-related data, but also provides some insight into the most intense scenarios for elements of locomotive movement and static exertions, which together could assist practitioners/coaches in devising individualised training programmes to prepare players optimally for competition.

Thesis (MHSc--Health Science) -- AUT University, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references. Also held in print (55 leaves ; 30 cm.) in North Shore Campus Theses Collection (T 796.333 AGN)

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Business Administration in the Faculty of Business at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology / Currently the performance of off-field managers of the Super League A rugby clubs is not at the required level, despite indicators that it plays a crucial role in the success of rugby clubs in the Western Province and in South Africa (SA). This study reviews and reports on the factors influencing off-field management of rugby clubs to understand management effectiveness and its importance to the success of the club. The review identified factors such as skills, competencies, strategic management, and other resources that are important for effective rugby club management, and reports on the need to develop and deploy adequate skills and resources to enhance rugby club management in the Western Province. The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of effective management of rugby clubs. The purpose of the study was to investigate the off-field management skills, competencies, and resources for effective management of Super League (SL) A rugby clubs in the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU). Emanating from this investigation, recommendations were made to improve SL A rugby clubs’ off-field management performance. The methodology that was used included questionnaires that were completed by employees at the rugby clubs, either electronically or in written form. The results were analysed using SPSS version 21. The main findings were that the off-field management needs training to be effective, and therefore should deploy identified, well-trained employees to fill the gap created by partly-trained employees. The practical implication is that rugby clubs need to invest in the training and development of off-field employees for effective management of rugby clubs.

Thesis (M.Com.(Human Resource Management))--University of Pretoria, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2008. / Bibliography. Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (D. Phil.(Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Summary in English and Afrikaans. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. in Technology: Chiropractic)--Technikon Witwatersrand, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 89-91). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (M. Tech.)--Technikon Witwatersrand, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 89-91).