The Dynamics of Modern Rugby

by Bruce Davies (Editor), Julien Baker (Editor)

Overview

The modern game of rugby football has become gladiatorial, whereby muscular athletic players are involved in a form of collision chess with sophisticated defences smothering the offensive skills that were at one time a more dominant feature of the game.

The contributors to this book consider the physical, mental and nutritional demands of the game in its present form and how best to acquire these attributes in the most effective and efficient manner. The inevitable injuries that are associated with collision are considered in terms of prevention and the most effective forms of treatment. New concepts to improve exercise capacity, game preparation and recovery are discussed in conjunction with the modern coaching theories of the game. The possible changes to the rules are discussed by two outstanding International referees, and the future vision for World Rugby is outlined by the President of World Rugby.

The Dynamics of Modern Rugby is both a unique and contemporary addition to the rugby literature and, as such, is essential reading for any student, researcher, coach, sports scientist, physiotherapist, nutritionist or clinician with an interest in rugby.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367438197
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/31/2021
Pages:	206
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Bruce Davies is Emeritus Professor of Applied Physiology at the University of South Wales, UK.

Julien S. Baker is Professor of Physiology and Head of the Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, at the Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.

Table of Contents

List of Figures vii

List of Tables ix

About the Contributors xi

Foreword xv

Acknowledgements xvi

Introduction xvii

1 Rugby Union: An Historical Overview Liam O'Callaghan 1

2 The Demands of a Collision Sport Peter Herbert Huw Wiltshire 11

3 Sports Nutrition in Modern Rugby Sarah Chantler Ruth Wood-Martin Louise Sutton 22

4 Psychological Preparation of the Elite Rugby Player Dave Collins 33

5 Modern Theories of Strength and Power Training for Men and Women William J. Kraemer Nicholas A. Ratamess Duncan H. French Robert U. Newton 43

6 A Practical Guide to Strength Training Mark Bennett 56

7 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids: The Shortcut to the Wrong Way Fergal Grace 74

8 Some Thoughts on the Training Process Bruce Davies Julien S. Baker 84

9 Immediate Medical Care in Rugby Andy Smith 95

10 Collision and the Effects of Head Injuries Thomas S. Owens Damian M. Bailey 109

11 Key Considerations in the Preparation of Teams for Extended Rugby Tours Brian Cunniffe Paul Stridgeon 122

12 Concepts to Improve Recovery in Touring Squads Brian Cunniffe Paul Stridgeon 136

13 Coaching in the Modern Game Sir Graham Henry Kingsley Jones Huw Wiltshire 150

14 The Laws and the Referees Derek Bevan Nigel Owens Gareth Jones 158

15 A Brief Financial Review of Professional Rugby Union Bruce Davies 167

16 The Future of the Game Sir Bill Beaumont 178

Index 185