An examination of try scoring in rugby union: a review of international rugby statistics

Laird, Peter; Lorimer, Ross

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to review some of the key statistics collected by the International Rugby Board (IRB) in their review of the game (2003) and to compare these findings in relation to previous statistical analysis studies. Primary objectives of Rugby Union where identified using the IRB statement of intent. Statistics collected by the IRB for these objectives were then compared to parallel research in other sports regarding recommendations for effective play. The IRB statistics for Rugby Union would appear to replicate previously discovered characteristics of football (Reep and Benjamin, 1968), and would seem to favour a 'long ball' style of play in order to maximise scoring success. This paper highlights the IRB findings and illustrates the possible benefits of comparison and cross referencing with previous research in other sports.

Citation

Laird, P., & Lorimer, R. (2004). An examination of try scoring in rugby union: a review of international rugby statistics. International journal of performance analysis in sport, 4(1), 72-80

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 1, 2004
• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2004
• Deposit Date: May 11, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: May 11, 2017
• Journal: International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport
• Print ISSN: 1474-8185
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 72-80
• Keywords: Try, rugby union, statistics,
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/813839