Coaches, practitioners and medical staff working in the worldwide sport of rugby will frequently apply scientific principles to their programmes to inform the practice, performance, health, well-being and development of their athletes.

This book explores the scientific principles underpinning the preparation and management of rugby players in both codes and modified versions of the sport. Applied examples are also provided throughout to understand the practical application of the material in a real-world context. This new edition of The Science of Rugby offers a significant contribution to the field of rugby science that will act as a useful resource to scientists, coaches, practitioners and students interested in rugby.

New chapters and key topics include:



Physical and psychological preparation for rugby
Planning and monitoring of training
Managing fatigue, recovery and nutrition
Effects of different environmental conditions and travel on performance
The mechanics of rugby techniques and injury
Young players and talent identification
Considerations for training the female rugby player
Modified rugby, including rugby sevens, touch, tag and wheelchair rugby

No other book bridges the gap between theory and applied practice in rugby, from grass roots to elite international standard, and therefore this is essential reading for any student, researcher, sport scientist, coach, physiotherapist or clinician with an interest in the game.