Practical applications and possibility of GPS technology in rugby coaching

Abstract

    The purpose of this study was to examine the practical use of Global Positioning System (GPS) in rugby coaching. Thirty-six male university rugby players were involved in six games in one official season. GPS technology was used to assess data about the players’ positioning, movement patterns, covered distance, number and speed of sprints, number and intensity of impacts associated with collisions. Comparison was performed on the changes of players’ performance during one game and between games, as well as between players and playing positions. Beside performance evaluation, the findings helped to appoint players for certain tactical needs, and to improve position specific training. In addition, body load could be measured which is difficult to obtain by video analysis. The results confirmed findings of previous studies that had compared playing positions focused on the total distance covered, and proved that GPS can be an efficient tool in rugby coaching.