title: Performance analysis of professional, semiprofessional, and junior elite rugby league match-play using global positioning systems.
abstract: The aim of the present study was to examine the positional differences in physical performance measures of professional, semiprofessional, and junior elite rugby league match-play using portable Global Positioning Systems (GPSs). Twelve professional, 12 semiprofessional, and 18 junior elite male rugby league players were monitored during 5 regular-season competition matches using portable GPS software. The mean total distance traveled during professional (8,371 ± 897 m) and semiprofessional (7,277 ± 734 m) match-play was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than that traveled during elite junior (4,646 ± 978 m) match-play. Position-specific total distance traveled and distance traveled per minute of playing time were significantly (p < 0.05) less for junior elite backs (5,768 ± 765 m; 74 ± 11 m·min) and forwards (4,774 ± 564 m; 82 ± 5 m·min) in comparison to those in professional (backs: 8,158 ± 673 m; 101 ± 8 m·min and forwards: 8,442 ± 812 m; 98 ± 12 m·min) and semiprofessional (backs: 7,505 ± 765 m; 94 ± 8 m·min and forwards: 6,701 ± 678 m; 89 ± 8 m·min) match-play. Maximum running speed, maximum sprints, and total sprint distance traveled by professional players were all significantly (p < 0.05) greater than those traveled by junior elite players but not semiprofessional players during match-play. Professional backs and forwards performed significantly (p < 0.05) more maximum sprints and traveled greater total distance during match-play in comparison to semiprofessional and junior elite players. The present findings demonstrate minimal differences in the physical performance measures of professional and semiprofessional rugby league match-play. The position-specific performance characteristics of junior elite match-play indicate that current junior elite player-development pathways may not provide adequate preparation for players transitioning into professional competition.
authors.affiliation: 1Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia; and 2School of Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Science, Health & Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Christopher P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: McLellan
authors.forename: Dale I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Lovell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001315:Australia; D005538:Football / Q000502:physiology*; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D055815:Young Adult