Influence of Physical Characteristics and Match Outcome n Technical Errors During Rugby League Match Play.

PURPOSE:: To explore the relationship between technical errors during rugby league games, match success and physical characteristics.

METHODS:: Twenty-seven semi-professional rugby league players participated in this study (24.8 ± 2.5 years; 183.5 ± 5.3 cm; 97.1 ± 11.6 kg). Aerobic fitness, strength, and power were assessed prior to the start of the competitive season before technical performance was tracked during 22 competitive fixtures. Attacking errors were determined as any error that occurred in possession of the ball that resulted in a handover to the opposition. Defensive errors included linebreaks, penalties and missed or ineffective tackles. Match outcome, the zone on the field each error occurred, and the number of errors in an error chain (≤ 60 seconds between each error) were assessed.

RESULTS:: During a loss, there were more defensive errors in the 0-40 m zone compared to when a match was won (ES = 0.99 [0.04-1.94]). Error chains were a predictor of conceding a try (p = 0.0001; r2 = 0.22), with the odds ratio increasing to 2.33 when there were 7 errors per chain. High lower body strength was associated with fewer defensive errors for backs (Bayes Factor [BF] = 3.67), and forwards (BF = 19.31), relative bench press was also important for backs (BF = 3.21).

CONCLUSIONS:: Fewer defensive errors occur 0-40 m zone during winning matches; lower body strength is strongly associated with fewer defensive errors in rugby league players.