The inception of rugby as a workforce in 1995 created a range of new issues surrounding sport as a vocation. With professional rugby often wearing the glamorous coat of fame and fortune, young athletes sacrifice education and learning additional life-skills in pursuit of well-paid contracts and glitzy lifestyles unaware of the realities rugby as a profession holds. One such reality is the relatively short lifespan of a professional rugby career and the fact that transition to a whole new career is firstly inevitable and secondly a very challenging process. Traditional retirement has been associated with the end of a long working career, making comprehensive lifestyle- and financial planning part of the preparation process. This process helps the retiree anticipate and understand the expected demands of life beyond a working career. In rugby however, the retirement experience of a player can be extremely difficult to cope with, especially if the player is not adequately prepared or has not planned for such an event. This leaves players vulnerable for the imminent new phase of life and often leads to physiological - and other challenges players are not able to withstand in a world outside sport (Price, 2007). The aim of this study is to identify the different aspects that influence a professional rugby player’s retirement – and transition experience into a new profession. The researcher believes that an increased understanding of how current and retired professional rugby players perceive/experienced the retirement process would assist current players to better plan and prepare for this phase of life. This ultimately would reduce the anxiety and uncertainty for life after rugby. If players are more relaxed and stress-free about their future, more focus could also be placed on the here-and-now, leading to greater performance on the current field of play. The views of both current and retired professional rugby players were captured through questionnaires distributed all around South Africa. The researcher utilised a mixed mode paradigm of both positivistic and interpretive research methods. This approach enabled him to best compare the views of the two groups and test the developed theories and hypothesis. Ultimately, the research revealed that the presence of the following variables will have a positive influence on a player’s retirement and transition experience: A) Leadership, advice and planning for retirement B) Tertiary education and additional work skills C) Popularity amongst fans and other influential people D) Sufficient wealth and E) A self-selected retirement. With these findings the researcher will develop some specific guidelines for current professional rugby players to help them firstly better prepare for their life beyond sport and secondly successfully switch to a new career. A few valuable recommendations were also made to other stakeholders to better assist and support players in their preparation and transition process.

The aim of this study was to describe and compare the gaze behaviour patterns of expert and near expert under 19 level rugby union players during one-on-one defensive play. Gaze characteristics such as the areas of interest visited, the number of fixations, the duration of each fixation, the starting and last fixations; and the order of fixations adopted were used to achieve the aim of the study. In addition, biographical data, including sporting and vision history, were collected. Data of the two groups were described and compared with statistically and practically significant differences been highlighted. Inferential statistics were used and the following significant levels set: p<.05 for t-tests and Chi-sq'ared - tests while Cohen's d (absolute value) ≥0.20 and Cramér‟s V ≥0.10 were used to determine the practical significance for statistically significant results, respectively. An exploratory and quasi-experimental design was used, in which 81 participants (16 – 19 years of age) were sampled for differences between experts' and near experts' visual-search strategies and gaze behaviour patterns when anticipating the direction of deceptive running skills in rugby union, however, only 68 participants had eye tracker data analyzed due to the strict calibration criteria. The expert players correctly anticipated significantly (t-stat = -3.16, p = .002, d = 0.71) more than the near expert players on average (75.76% compared to 66.46%), and therefore, were less susceptible to deceptive running skills. The near expert players were, however, more aware of their fixation location than expert players. Both expert and near expert players fixated considerably more on the knees and hips than any other area of interest, however expert players had fewer, but longer fixations than near expert players per run with 4.29 ± 1.89 fixations (χ2 = 3.90, p = .048, V = 0.24) of 0.420 ± 0.140 seconds (χ2 = 3.97, p = .046, V = 0.24) compared to 5.34 ± 2.39 fixations of 0.350 ± 0.150 seconds. Both the expert and near expert groups fixated more on the lower body than the upper body on average, however, the near expert players fixated significantly more off the body for all correct runs than the expert players (t-stat = 2.17, p = .034, d = 0.53). The expert players start fixating more on the knees at the start of each trial, whereas the near expert players start fixating more on the knees and hips, and considerably off-target. The expert players fixate significantly more on the knees (t-stat = -2.56, p = .013, d = 0.63) at the end of each trial than the near expert players on average, whereas the near expert players fixate more on the hips. The orders of fixation did not yield any discernable patterns between expert and near expert players for correctly anticipated runs. Experts exhibit superior visual-search strategies and gaze behaviour control, presumably using the top-down approach, to successfully anticipate an opponent's intended direction. This information could help coaches teach perceptual tackling skills to enhance motor learning and performance.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Johannesburg, 2019 / Rugby, as a contact sport, has inherent risks of injury. Children and adolescents playing rugby at schoolboy level have a developing skeletal system and therefore injuries through this age of play may result in injuries to under-developed bones. This research study looked to identify whether the laws of rugby align to protect skeletal development of children and adolescents through law adaptations. Framework Analysis was used to develop a matrix which aligned the adapted laws of rugby with bone fusion ages. In future studies this can be used as a base for other areas of development and other sports. This matrix was further analysed to determine a severity rating scale and this scale identified some bones of the skull (occipital, sphenoid and zygomatic), upper limb (scapular, glenoid and clavicle) and lower limb (sacrum and pelvic girdle) as having a higher risk for severe injury. While these bones are at severe potential risk of injury it is important to note that only one measure of maturation was used and in future additional measures of maturation should be used. In conclusion, while the adapted laws of rugby do protect some bones of the developing skeletal system, they do not protect all of the developing bones of the skeletal system. The matrix could be used to guide future law makers in their endeavour of making the game of rugby safer for children and adolescents / MT 2020

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / The purpose of this study was to describe the different methods used by coaches to improve decision making in ruby. The study included three coaches from the Western Cape area. Two of the three coaches worked with U/20A league teams and the third coach worked in the Super A league. Eight coaching sessions were video taped and analysed to identify the coaching method used when presenting skill development activities. The verbal behaviour each coach was also recorded. Five rugby games involving each of the teams were also analysed to determine which team had the highest success rates in key categories. The results showed that Coach 1 integrated decision making with skill practice primarily through the method of verbal feedback during sessions where he used a direct teaching style. His comments to players during technical skill instruction were focussed on linking their skill performance to its tactical use in a game. The other two coaches followed the expected pattern of using indirect teaching styles to teach players how to apply tactics. It was concluded that different coaches may use different teaching styles to improve players’ decision making. The belief that the direct style of coaching focuses on technical learning at the expense of tactical understanding may be false. Much more research needs to be completed on coaching methods before specific recommendations can be made to coaches about optimal approaches to balancing the demand for good tactical decision making and sound technical skill performance.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to investigate the business model of a professional South African Rugby Union by determining the core logic and practices of the Boland Rugby Union. Information was gathered mostly through semi-structured interviews conducted with board members of Boland Rugby. Additional information was gathered through observation, the media, the collection of relevant documents, as well as other secondary research methods. Boland Rugby, similar to most South African rugby provinces, has both an amateur and a professional arm. The study indicates that Boland Rugby Union offers a strong value proposition to its target segments focused on development and creating a platform for the different rugby codes to participate and develop. The professional arm is focused on providing the Boland Kavaliers with the necessary resources to compete against other provinces. Boland covers a wide geographical area and therefore a good structure is needed to make governance easier. Market limitations and especially financial resources create challenges towards creating a stronger commercial value. Therefore partnerships with local businesses are essential in providing the necessary value proposition. As shown by the literature review, there are strong links between the different business model components. An important finding was the co-creation that occurs continuously throughout the value creation process. Boland Rugby, its consumers, and all relevant stakeholders play an essential role in creating this value. The Osterwalder model used during the study acted as a good structure to capture the business activities. Looking forward, Boland Rugby will have to explore different business avenues through which they can create revenue and further develop their value offering. It was clear that there is a lack in strategic drive to meet a changing market environment, although the union finds itself in a comfortable position as their geographical area will remain theirs. Boland Rugby has financial challenges that accompany professional sport, and it requires a sustainable financial model with a clear strategy towards long-term objectives. The study recommendations indicate that a change towards professionalism is not necessarily the only option, and is not always well received within a structure that is built on an amateur approach. Depending on the future strategy going forward, commercial rationale will play a central role in future decision-making. One thing is certain, good governance and corporate values are necessary to increase the faith of stakeholders in the decision-making processes and leadership of Boland Rugby.

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.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Physio.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2012.

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.

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).