Continued Participation in Adolescent Male Rugby Union: Stakeholders' Perspectives

Abstract

This study explored stakeholders’ perceptions of Welsh adolescent rugby union participation. A Straussian grounded theory approach (Corbin & Strauss, 2008) was adopted and data collection was conducted via semi-structured interviews with 15 individuals involved in Welsh adolescent rugby union. Data were analyzed through open and axial coding procedures, and theoretical integration. Stakeholders perceived that continued rugby participation resulted from a positive evaluation of one’s participation in the sport, and one’s ability to cope with the demands experienced throughout transitions during adolescence. Overall, the findings provide a substantive grounded theory of stakeholders’ perceptions of continued participation in adolescent Welsh rugby union, and applied implications, in an aim to promote continued sport participation.