Table of Contents

1 Physical Preparation for Rugby

Tim J. Gabbett

2 Strength and Power Training for Rugby

Daniel Travis McMaster, Michael R. McGuigan, and Nicholas D. Gill

3 Monitoring the Match and Training Demands of Rugby

Mark Waldron, Erwan Izri, and Craig Twist

4 Monitoring Fatigue and Training Adaptations in Rugby Players

Craig Twist and Jamie Highton

5 Match Day Strategies to Enhance the Physical and Technical Performance of Rugby Players

Mark Russell, Samuel P. Hills, Christian J. Cook, and Liam P. Kilduff

6 Strategies to Enhance Recovery in Rugby Players

Jamie Highton and Craig Twist

7 Nutrition for Rugby

Graeme L. Close, Andreas M. Kasper, and James P. Morton

8 Training and Playing in the Heat: Strategies for the Rugby Player

Rudi Meir, Neil Chapman, and Mike Climstein

9 Practical Considerations for Team Travel, the Lifestyle

of Elite Athletes, Travel Fatigue, Infection and Coping with Jet Lag

Ben J. Edwards, Tom Clark, Anna C. Fitzpatrick, Colin M. Robertson, and Neil P. Walsh

10 Psychological Preparation for Rugby

Stephen D. Mellalieu and Rich Neil

11 Performance Analysis in Rugby

Nimai Parmar, Nic James, and Wilbur Kraak

12 The Biomechanics of Rugby

Neil E. Bezodis, Ezio Preatoni, Dario Cazzola, and Elena Seminati

13 Injury Epidemiology in Rugby

Niki Gabb, Grant Trewartha, and Keith Stokes

14 Talent Identification, Development, and The Young Rugby Player

Stephen Cobley and Kevin Till

15 The Female Rugby Player

Emma Ross

16 Modified Rugby

Craig Twist

About the Author

Craig Twist is Professor of Applied Sport & Exercise Science at Liverpool John Moores University, UK, and has primary research interests in the training and monitoring of rugby players. Craig is an accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist with the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

Paul Worsfold is Head of Biomechanics at the UK Sports Institute and Professor in Sports Biomechanics and Performance Analysis at the University of Chester, UK. His applied and research interests are primarily focused on optimising athlete movement and technology to enhance performance and reduce injury.