title: Positional differences in match running performance and physical collisions in men rugby sevens.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study describes the physical match demands relative to positional group in male rugby sevens.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten highly trained players were investigated during competitive matches (N = 23) using GPS technology, heart rate (HR), and video recording.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The relative distance covered by the players throughout the match was 102.3 ± 9.8 m/min. As a percentage of total distance, 35.8% (36.6 ± 5.9 m/min) was covered walking, 26.0% (26.6 ± 5.5 m/min) jogging, 10.0% (10.2 ± 2.4 m/min) running at low intensity, 14.2% (14.5 ± 4.0 m/min) at medium intensity, 4.6% (4.7 ± 1.6 m/min) at high intensity, and 9.5% (9.7 ± 3.7 m/min) sprinting. For the backs, a substantial decrease in total distance and distance covered at low, medium, and high intensity was observed in the second half. Forwards exhibited a substantial decrease in the distance covered at medium intensity, high intensity, and sprinting in the 2nd half. Backs covered substantially more total distance at medium and sprinting speeds than forwards. In addition, the maximum length of sprint runs was substantially greater for the backs than forwards. On the contrary, forwards performed more tackles. The mean HR during the match in backs and forwards was similar, with the exception of time spent at HR intensities >90%HRmax, which was substantially higher in forwards.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings provide a description of the different physical demands placed on rugby sevens backs and forwards. This information may be helpful in the development of positional and/or individualized physical-fitness training programs.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Sport Sciences, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain.
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Suarez-Arrones
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Arenas
authors.forename: Guillermo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: López
authors.forename: Bernardo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Requena
authors.forename: Oliver
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Terrill
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mendez-Villanueva
mesh_terms: D061725:Accelerometry; D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D005538:Football; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D012420:Running; D013997:Time Factors; D013996:Time and Motion Studies; D014741:Video Recording