Repeated-High-Intensity-Running Activity and Internal Training Load of Elite Rugby Sevens Players During International Matches: A Comparison Between Halves

Purpose: To describe the repeated-high-intensity activity and internal training load of rugby sevens players during international matches and to compare the differences between the 1st and 2nd halves. Methods: Twelve international-level male rugby sevens players were monitored during international competitive matches (n = 30 match files) using global positioning system technology and heart-rate monitoring. Results: The relative total distance covered by the players throughout the match was 112.1 +/- 8.4 m/min. As a percentage of total distance, 35.0% (39.2 +/- 9.0 m/min) was covered at medium speed and 17.1% (19.2 +/- 6.8 m/min) at high speed. A substantial decrease in the distance covered at >14.0 km/h and >18.0 km/h, the number of accelerations of >2.78 m/s and >4.0 m/s, repeated-sprint sequences interspersed with 5.60 s rest, and repeated-acceleration sequences interspersed with <= 30 s or <= 60 s rest was observed in the 2nd half compared with the 1st half. A substantial increase in the mean heart rate (HR), HRmax, percentage of time at >80% HRmax and at >90% HRmax, and Edwards training load was observed in the 2nd half compared with the 1st half. Conclusion: This study provides evidence of a pronounced reduction in high-intensity and repeated-high intensity activities and increases in internal training load in rugby sevens players during the 2nd half of international matches.