Aims and objectives: To investigate the epidemiology, risk factors, and preventive strategies for serious head and spinal injuries related to rugby league and union football in New South Wales (NSW). Methods: The three main components of this study included. 1. A retrospective analysis of clinical and compensation case file records during the 16-year period, 1984-1999. 2. A review of game rules, weights and heights of players, over the past 100 years. 3. A review of film and video footage of rugby football games spanning most of the 20th century. A method was developed to allow valid comparisons in style of play over a 70-year period. Results: The estimated annual incidence rate of SCI for rugby league players was 1.9 (95%CI 1.3 - 2.8) per 100,000 estimated players per year, and 3.3 (95%CI 2.2 - 4.8) per 100,000 estimated rugby union players per year over the study period 1984 to 1999. There was no significant change in the incidence of rugby league related serious spinal cord injuries (1984-1999), fatalities (1984-1999) or serious head injuries (1984-1999). There was a small but significant decline in rugby union related serious spinal cord injuries (1984-1999, P<0.05). However, the relative risk of spinal cord injury was 1.34 times greater for rugby union compared to rugby league over the entire study period (95%CI 1.01 - 1.67, P<0.05). For rugby football, the evidence suggested that the force of impact between participants was a key causal risk factor for serious injury. Elite rugby league and union players from 1999-2000 teams were significantly heavier (P<0.05) and taller (P<0.05) than players pre 1950. Players in modern elite games post 1989 were more likely to be tackled by multiple opponents (P = 0.000), tackled head on (P<0.05), at chest level (P<0.05) and at greater speeds than their earlier counterparts pre 1958. However, modern players appear to be no more aggressive or perpetrate greater foul play than their predecessors. Conclusions: There was a continued annual occurrence of catastrophically serious injuries leading to permanent brain damage and quadriplegia associated with rugby league and union in NSW. The critical risk factors found to be associated with serious injury in rugby football suggest relatively novel approaches to the development of preventive strategies.

Despite considerable interest driving prominent studies over many decades' leadership theory and research remains one of the least understood topics. Leadership is still mysterious and complex. This study is a journey of discovery designed to explore the complexities and prominence of leadership as it exists in New Zealand. The journey began with a literature review metaphorically represented as three poles of knowledge. The first pole focused on Māori (ordinary, of this land, native people of New Zealand) and Māori culture where leadership is highly valued. The second explored sport and in particular rugby, which enjoys celebrity status amongst Māori and New Zealanders. The final pole reviewed organisational studies and literature on leadership.The study pursued perceptions of male Māori rugby players concerning leadership, from a Māori, rugby, and New Zealand perspective. The research approach employed by this study is based on the principles of grounded theory, kaupapa Māori methodology and its Western cousin, ethnomethodology. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with nine prominent past and present Māori rugby players. By focusing on this demographic, this study was able to examine Māori and Pākehā leadership styles, similarities and differences; highlight key cultural characteristics and strengthen arguments claiming a relationship exists between the three poles of knowledge. This approach enabled a review of those beneficial and advantageous qualities considered to have an impact on leadership in New Zealand.Findings from interviews revealed relationships do exist between the three poles of knowledge. The values or concepts whānau (family, extended family), responsibility, collectivism, and tuākana/tēina (elder/leaders to younger/novices) relationships were identified as central qualities of Māori leadership. Collectivism is expressed as concerns of whānau. Reciprocity was embodied in relationships of tuākana/tēina with rugby being a vehicle that enhanced both and encouraged leadership development. Findings combined with evidence from literature prompted discussion aimed at three different audiences: leadership theorists; Māori, and; rugby audiences. The study's implications and limitations are taken into consideration.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Edith Cowan University, 2007. / "Including: 1. Testing and the relationship of upper body muscular strength, power, speed and strength-endurance to playing position and status in professional rugby league players; 2. Acute training methods that affect the development of upper body muscular power; and 3. Chronic adaptations - the nature, scope and methodology of long-term adaptations in upper body strength and power."--T.p. Submitted to the Faculty of Computing, Health and Science. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S)--Texas State University, San Marcos, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 158-166). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (M.S)--Texas State University, San Marcos, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 158-166).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Canterbury, 2000. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 250-274). Also available via the World Wide Web.

O rugby union XV é um esporte coletivo e de invasão praticado em um campo gramado por duas equipes compostas por 15 jogadores cada e divididos em dois grupos denominados forwards (8 jogadores) e backs (7 jogadores) de acordo com a função desempenhada durante a partida. As demandas física e fisiológica do rugby exigem que os atletas recuperem suas reservas energéticas em pequenos intervalos ou durante exercícios de baixa intensidade. Desta forma, o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2Máx), indicador de potência aeróbia, torna-se uma variável importante para o desempenho na modalidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a possibilidade de predizer a potência aeróbia em jogadores amadores de rugby union XV utilizando os testes de campo Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1) e 5 m Multiple Shuttle Test (5-m MST). Para isso, 42 jogadores, 22 forwards e 20 backs, foram avaliados em três etapas: (1) em laboratório com teste máximo em esteira; (2) teste de campo definido por sorteio na primeira etapa; e (3) segundo teste de campo. Com os dados obtidos nos três testes foram realizadas análises descritivas, de comparação, de correlação, de regressão e de concordância. Dentre os principais resultados, backs, em comparação a forwards, apresentaram maior VO2Máx (respectivamente, 61,7 ± 15 ml.kg-1.min-1 e 51,6 ± 10,1 ml.kg-1.min-1), resultado no Yo- Yo IRT1 (respectivamente, 16,4 ± 0,8 e 14,9 ± 0,9) e distância final no Yo-Yo IRT1 (respectivamente, 1283,3± 312,5 m e 792 ± 277,6 m). Foram encontradas correlações significativas entre resultado final e distância final total obtidas no Yo-Yo IRT1 e o VO2Máx relativo a massa corporal (respectivamente, r = 0,425 e r = 0,459). Utilizandose a distância final percorrida no Yo-Yo IRT1, o VO2Máx, em jogadores de rugby, pode ser estimado com a aplicação da equação VO2Máx = 0,016(DIST Yo-Yo) + 40,578. / Rugby Union XV is a sport played in pitches by two teams of 15 players each. The players are divided into two groups according to the role in the game: the forwards (8 players) and the backs (7 players). During a match, the physical and physiological demands of rugby require that athletes recover its energy reserves in shorts intervals or during low-intensity exercise. Thus, the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2Max), an aerobic power index, becomes an important variable for the performance in the discipline. The objective of this study was to verify the possibility to predict the aerobic power in rugby union XV amateur players using the field tests Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1) and 5 m Multiple Shuttle Test (5-m MST). Forty-two players, 22 forwards and 20 backs, were evaluated in three phases: (1) in a laboratory with maximum treadmill test; (2) field test set by a draw in the first phase; and (3) second field test. Descriptive, comparison, correlation, regression and level of agreement analyses were performed. Among the mayor results, backs, compared with forwards, reported a higher VO2Max (respectively 61.7 ± 15 ml.kg-1.min-1 and 51.6 ± 10.1 ml.kg- 1.min-1), Yo-Yo IRT1 results (respectively 16.4 ± 0.8 and 14.9 ± 0.9), and Yo-Yo IRT1 total distance (respectively 1283.3± 312.5 m e 792 ± 277.6 m). Significant correlations were found between the result and total distance on the Yo-Yo IRT1 and the VO2Max (respectively r = 0.425 and r = 0.459). Using the total distance covered on the Yo-Yo IRT1, the VO2Max in rugby players, can be estimated using the equation VO2Max = 0.016(DIST Yo-Yo) + 40.578.

Dans un premier temps, afin de définir et de créer une typologie des ouvrages dictionnairiques existants concernant le sport, plus de 400 disciplines sportives ont été identifiées et plus de 200 ont été définies (celles qui étaient les moins répandues dans le monde). Elles ont été ensuite classées dans 19 groupes thématiques, classement qui a été par la suite soumis à une analyse critique. L'ensemble de ces disciplines a permis de référencer près de 500 ouvrages dictionnairiques à partir desquels différents critères d'élaboration d'un dictionnaire de spécialité ont pu être établis. Ainsi, les critères les plus pertinents et les plus adaptés ont été choisis pour élaborer le "Dictionnaire du rugby – L'Ovalie dans tous ses sens".Dans un second temps, une approche concernant ce dictionnaire de spécialité a été présentée en précisant les choix concernant, d'une part, le sujet, et d'autre part, la philosophie d'un tel ouvrage. Cette réflexion a porté sur l'objectif d'un tel dictionnaire, sur le public visé, sur la façon dont il a été rédigé ainsi que sur sa structure. En outre, il a été pertinent d'analyser le traitement du terme rugby (et de son vocabulaire) dans une quinzaine d'ouvrages. Enfin, une étude a été entreprise pour proposer la méthodologie concernant l'élaboration du "Dictionnaire du rugby – L'Ovalie dans tous ses sens" en insistant notamment sur le protocole de rédaction, sur la création de la charte graphique, sur la présentation du paratexte, sur l'élaboration de la nomenclature, sur les différentes étapes de la rédaction et sur celles de la correction. / Firstly, in order to define and create a typology of existing dictionaries concerning sport, we identified more than 400 sports and among them we defined more than 200 sports (those which were the less common around the world). We then classified them into 19 thematic groups, which classification has been submitted to a technical review. All these sports have allowed us to reference near to 500 dictionaries from which we have been able to identify the various criteria which enable the writing of specialty dictionaries. We have chosen the most relevant and suitable criteria to write our "Dictionnaire du rugby – L'Ovalie dans tous ses sens".Secondly, we described our approach concerning this specialty dictionary by specifying our thought and choices related to, on the one hand, the subject and, on the other hand, the philosophy of a work of this kind. This reflection covered the objective of such a dictionary, the targeted public, the way it has been written and its structure. Furthermore, we considered the treatment of the term rugby (and of its vocabulary) in about fifteen books. Finally, we proposed our methodology for the writing of the "Dictionnaire du rugby – L'Ovalie dans tous ses sens" focusing in particular on the protocol of writing, the creation of a graphic chart, the presentation of the paratext, the conception of a nomenclature, and on the different steps of the writing and the rectifications.

Background: Clothing and protective gear worn during intermittent exercise has shown to increase physiological and perceptual responses, and negatively impact performance capacities, due to increased heat strain, suggested to hasten the onset of fatigue. However, the mechanisms of fatigue experienced in rugby remain unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was establish whether clothing and protective gear worn during a simulated rugby protocol impacts players‘ biophysical, physiological, perceptual and performance responses. Methods: 15 registered university and school first XV rugby players with a mean (± SD) age of 20.9 years (± 1.9) volunteered to participate in the study. Testing was performed in a controlled laboratory setting, with temperatures having to be within the range of 16º C-22º C. The mean (± SD) ambient temperature was 17.6º C (± 1.6) for the control condition and 17.3º C (1.5) for the experimental condition. The mean (± SD) relative humidity was 65.2 % (± 9.5) for the control condition and 66.3 % (± 10.0) for the experimental condition. Player‘s performed two protocols of 80-minutes; a control condition (minimal clothing and protective gear) and an experimental condition (full clothing and protective gear). Physiological, perceptual and performance responses were measured at set intervals during the protocol, while biophysical responses were measured pre-, at half-time and post-protocol during a 3-minute EMG treadmill protocol. Results: Muscle activity significantly (p< 0.05) increased with increasing running speeds. There were no significant (p> 0.05) differences for muscle activity between conditions, except for the semitendinosus muscle, which was significantly (p< 0.05) higher during the control condition while running at high speeds. Players‘ heart rates, core temperatures and perceptual responses were significantly (p< 0.05) higher during the experimental condition, compared to the control condition. Performance responses were significantly (p< 0.05) lower during the experimental condition. Conclusion: The main driver of physiological and perceptual responses was the exercise itself. However, the additional clothing and protective gear exacerbated the responses, particularly towards the end stages of the protocol. This negatively impacted players‘ performance. Muscle activity appeared to be unaffected by increased body temperatures. However, core temperatures never reached critically high levels during either condition.

O rugby union XV é um esporte coletivo e de invasão praticado em um campo gramado por duas equipes compostas por 15 jogadores cada e divididos em dois grupos denominados forwards (8 jogadores) e backs (7 jogadores) de acordo com a função desempenhada durante a partida. As demandas física e fisiológica do rugby exigem que os atletas recuperem suas reservas energéticas em pequenos intervalos ou durante exercícios de baixa intensidade. Desta forma, o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2Máx), indicador de potência aeróbia, torna-se uma variável importante para o desempenho na modalidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a possibilidade de predizer a potência aeróbia em jogadores amadores de rugby union XV utilizando os testes de campo Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1) e 5 m Multiple Shuttle Test (5-m MST). Para isso, 42 jogadores, 22 forwards e 20 backs, foram avaliados em três etapas: (1) em laboratório com teste máximo em esteira; (2) teste de campo definido por sorteio na primeira etapa; e (3) segundo teste de campo. Com os dados obtidos nos três testes foram realizadas análises descritivas, de comparação, de correlação, de regressão e de concordância. Dentre os principais resultados, backs, em comparação a forwards, apresentaram maior VO2Máx (respectivamente, 61,7 ± 15 ml.kg-1.min-1 e 51,6 ± 10,1 ml.kg-1.min-1), resultado no Yo- Yo IRT1 (respectivamente, 16,4 ± 0,8 e 14,9 ± 0,9) e distância final no Yo-Yo IRT1 (respectivamente, 1283,3± 312,5 m e 792 ± 277,6 m). Foram encontradas correlações significativas entre resultado final e distância final total obtidas no Yo-Yo IRT1 e o VO2Máx relativo a massa corporal (respectivamente, r = 0,425 e r = 0,459). Utilizandose a distância final percorrida no Yo-Yo IRT1, o VO2Máx, em jogadores de rugby, pode ser estimado com a aplicação da equação VO2Máx = 0,016(DIST Yo-Yo) + 40,578. / Rugby Union XV is a sport played in pitches by two teams of 15 players each. The players are divided into two groups according to the role in the game: the forwards (8 players) and the backs (7 players). During a match, the physical and physiological demands of rugby require that athletes recover its energy reserves in shorts intervals or during low-intensity exercise. Thus, the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2Max), an aerobic power index, becomes an important variable for the performance in the discipline. The objective of this study was to verify the possibility to predict the aerobic power in rugby union XV amateur players using the field tests Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1) and 5 m Multiple Shuttle Test (5-m MST). Forty-two players, 22 forwards and 20 backs, were evaluated in three phases: (1) in a laboratory with maximum treadmill test; (2) field test set by a draw in the first phase; and (3) second field test. Descriptive, comparison, correlation, regression and level of agreement analyses were performed. Among the mayor results, backs, compared with forwards, reported a higher VO2Max (respectively 61.7 ± 15 ml.kg-1.min-1 and 51.6 ± 10.1 ml.kg- 1.min-1), Yo-Yo IRT1 results (respectively 16.4 ± 0.8 and 14.9 ± 0.9), and Yo-Yo IRT1 total distance (respectively 1283.3± 312.5 m e 792 ± 277.6 m). Significant correlations were found between the result and total distance on the Yo-Yo IRT1 and the VO2Max (respectively r = 0.425 and r = 0.459). Using the total distance covered on the Yo-Yo IRT1, the VO2Max in rugby players, can be estimated using the equation VO2Max = 0.016(DIST Yo-Yo) + 40.578.