The Dynamics of Modern Rugby

The modern game of rugby football has become gladiatorial, whereby muscular athletic players are involved in a form of collision chess with sophisticated defences smothering the offensive skills that were at one time a more dominant feature of the game. The contributors to this book consider the physical, mental and nutritional demands of the game in its present form and how best to acquire these attributes in the most effective and efficient manner. The inevitable injuries that are associated with collision are considered in terms of prevention and the most effective forms of treatment. New concepts to improve exercise capacity, game preparation and recovery are discussed in conjunction with the modern coaching theories of the game. The possible changes to the rules are discussed by two outstanding International referees, and the future vision for World Rugby is outlined by the President of World Rugby. The Dynamics of Modern Rugby is both a unique and contemporary addition to the rugby literature and, as such, is essential reading for any student, researcher, coach, sports scientist, physiotherapist, nutritionist or clinician with an interest in rugby.

Bruce Davies is Emeritus Professor of Applied Physiology at the University of South Wales, UK. Julien S. Baker is Professor of Physiology and Head of the Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, at the Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.

1. Rugby Union: An Historical Overview 2. The Demands of a Collision Sport 3. Sports Nutrition in Modern Rugby 4. Psychological Preparation of the Elite Rugby Player 5. Modern Theories of Strength and Power Training for Men and Women 6. A Practical Guide to Strength Training 7. Anabolic Androgenic Steroids: The Shortcut to the Wrong Way 8. Some Thoughts on the Training Process 9. Immediate Medical Care in Rugby 10. Collision and the Effects of Head Injuries 11. Key Considerations in the Preparation of Teams for Extended Rugby Tours 12. Concepts to Improve Recovery in Touring Squads 13. Coaching in the Modern Game 14. The Laws and the Referees 15. A Brief Financial Review of Professional Rugby Union 16. The Future of the Game