Author(s): HSU, J.T., LEE, H.J. , Institution: NATIONAL TAIWAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 273

INTRODUCTION:
The purpose of this study was to analyze the movement patterns in college Rugby Sevens matches to determine the physiological requirements of the athletes. The data obtained can provide coaches with useful insights to develop effective substitution strategies, design training regimens for the next season, and ultimately enhance the competitive level of play.
METHODS:
A study assessed running loads and high-intensity actions in 11 university rugby players (age: 19 ± 1.85 years, height: 1.75 ± 0.05 m, weight: 76 ± 8.38 kg) during a halftime game. The players wore validated GPS devices (APEX, STATSport, Northern Ireland) sampling at 10 Hz, along with accelerometers and gyroscopes sampling at 100 Hz. Running loads were quantified by total distance (TD, m), high-intensity running distance (HIRD, > 14.1 km/h, m), maximum speed (MS, km/h) and average speed (AVGS, km/h). High-intensity actions included sprints (> 20 km/h, n), accelerations (> 2.5 m/s2, n) and decelerations (< -2.5 m/s2, n). A repeated measures one-way ANOVA was conducted for each minute of the game to analyze the running loads and high-intensity actions.
RESULTS:
The findings show that total distance (TD) covered in the first minute was markedly higher than subsequent minutes. In the first half, high-intensity running distance (HIRD) declined significantly after the first minute. Similarly, in the second half, HIRD was substantially lower in several minutes compared to the first minute. Maximum speed (MS) and average speed (AVGS) peaked in the opening minute, being markedly faster than other minutes. However, MS slightly rose again in the fifth minute. For high-intensity actions, sprinting and acceleration patterns showed no differences during the match. Yet, there were more decelerations in the first and final minutes of the second half. In summary, TD, HIRD, MS and AVGS declined after the intense first minute, while decelerations increased at the start and end of the second half.

CONCLUSION:
This study analyzed movement patterns per minute during collegiate Rugby Sevens matches. Activity levels were highest in the opening minute, implying fatigue increasingly hindered physical performance as time progressed. However, by the fifth minute, speed and movement appeared to recover to an improved range before declining again due to fatigue. The high-intensity running distance (HIRD) revealed that fatigue escalated at a faster rate in the second half versus the first. Overall, these findings offer useful insights for substitutions tactics and fitness training by highlighting the intense early demands and accelerating fatigue over the duration of a Rugby Sevens match. The peak physical outputs in the initial minute followed by declining intensity underscores the importance of pacing and planned rotations. Furthermore, the more rapid onset of fatigue in the second half emphasizes the need for targeted conditioning to mimic match demands.