The 'convergence of the twain': a notational analysis of northern hemisphere rugby league and rugby union football 1988-2002.

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Author
Eaves, Simon John
Date
2006Type
Thesis
Publisher
University of Wales Institute, Cardiff.
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Show full item recordAbstract
The principal aim of this study was to create longitudinal profiles (1988-2002) for the games of rugby union and
rugby league football in order to identify whether changes in time, offence, defence and game action variables,
and positional and game performance indicators were a reflection that the two codes of rugby were 'converging'.
Anecdotal evidence had suggested that due to certain administrative developments within this time frame many
facets of the two games were becoming similar, thereby spawning the notion of a future single, unified game of
'rugby'. This thesis presents the first empirical and objective assessment of whether such convergence has
occurred.
The data for this study were extracted from 48 video-taped recordings of First Grade rugby league and
International rugby union in the Northern hemisphere over the specified time frame. The matches were
identifiable by Era (pre-/post-professional) and Period (1988-92, 1993-95, 1997-99 and2000-02). Key aspects of
play or performance were distinguished via game models and expert opinion and were scrutinised via a series of
specifically designed and validated hand notation systems. Initial analysis considered (and established) the
reliability of these systems, thereafter parametric and non-parametric inferential statistical teohniques were
employed to identify Era and Period effects within each Code, with the additional analyses to consider the effects
of Game Result and Game Quarter Outcomes.
The findings from these analyses, particulaily the observed increase in ball in play time, changes at the ruck,
maul, and lineout, and alterations in defence patterns of play, have provided a strong argument that the two Codes
underwent a discernable degree of convergence over the years being considered. It was concluded that the
introduction of professional playing status (rugby union), the summer playing season (rugby league), and law
changes were likely causes of the two games being now similar in many respects. Although additional analyses
should be encouraged to corroborate the present findings, the case for the development of a single Code of rugby
can now be made.
Description
PhD Thesis
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