ReviewJournal of functional morphology and kinesiology2025
Optimising Sprint Performance in Rugby: Insights from a Systematic Review of Training Methods.
Review in Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- Effects of Resisted Sprint Training and Sprint Performance and Related Physical Capacities: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses.Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) · 2026Pooled it
- Effects of core training on physical performance in team-sport athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation · 2026Pooled it
- Sports Performance and Injury Epidemiology in Portuguese XV Rugby Union's 2023 World Cup Preparation in a High-Altitude Center: A Cross-Sectional Study.Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundSprint performance is crucial in rugby, impacting offensive and defensive actions. Despite increasing research on team sports, specific sprint training guidelines for rugby remain limited. This review evaluates the effectiveness of various training methods to improve sprint performance in semi-professional and professional players.
objectivesTo identify and assess the most effective training methodologies for improving rugby sprint performance and provide evidence-based recommendations for coaches.
methodsA systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus, including studies published before November 2024. Eligible studies focused on Rugby Union, Rugby League, or Rugby Sevens players undergoing resistance-based or sprint-specific training for at least four weeks. Exclusion criteria included amateur players, athletes under 16, or interventions using advanced technologies. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale.
resultsTwenty-six studies involving 644 rugby players were analysed. Training programmes ranged from 4 to 18 weeks (average: 8 weeks) and were categorised into resistance training, small-sided games, and sprint-specific methods. Resistance training combined with plyometrics and agility drills achieved the most significant sprint improvements. Small-sided games enhanced sprint performance by simulating game-like scenarios, while resisted sprint training showed notable results for short-distance acceleration but limited maximum speed gains.
conclusionsRugby sprint performance improves through periodised training protocols incorporating resistance exercises, plyometrics, and sport-specific drills. Coaches should use small-sided games and resisted sprint training to target short-distance acceleration and agility. Further research should examine the long-term effects of these methods and their influence on match performance.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.