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Introduction: It is well-recognised that fulfilling the role of a coach is multi-faceted. In rugby, some of these coaching facets have been studied, however the research has not been reviewed. Reviewing the literature on rugby coaches will inform and guide policies, coach education, research and practice. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide a scoping review of the current coach focused literature on rugby union, rugby league and rugby sevens. Methods: A scoping review was conducted on five electronic databases (EBSCOhost, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science) until January 2022 using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Participants had to be coaches within rugby union, sevens and league to be included. Data were extracted and analyzed to form a numerical and thematic summary. Results: 105 articles were included. 76% of the studies were on rugby union, 14% on league, 1% on sevens and the remainder focused on a combination of rugby cohorts or did not specify. Three themes were identified via a thematic analysis based on the content of the articles, these were coach knowledge (68%), coach pedagogies (29%), and coach development (4%). Conclusion: The main finding in this review is that research on rugby coaches understood the risk, prevention, and management of injuries. Educational resources should include all aspects of rugby play or training injuries. The importance of the athlete-coach relationship and coach reflective practices was another significant finding. Coaches are encouraged to have a broad understanding of various aspects related to the player's welfare, which can be developed using formal and/or nonformal learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the relationship between player and coach rating of perceived challenge (RPC) for different training sessions over a competitive rugby union season. A secondary aim was to explore the relationship between player RPC and player session rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Methods: We used an observational longitudinal study design to monitor 51 male highly-trained under 21 rugby union players and four coaches over an 11-week competitive rugby season (a total of 1798 training session observations). Player RPC (0 to 10 arbitrary units (AU)) and RPE ratings (0 to 10 AU) were collected after team sessions (a technical and tactical field-based session with all players training together), split sessions (a technical and tactical field-based session where players trained separately according to their positional grouping (forward and backs)) and gym sessions (non-field-based session with all players training together). Coach RPC ratings were only collected after team sessions and split sessions. Results: A weak positive relationship (rho = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.09–0.42; p <.001) was found for split sessions (player RPC: 4.40; 95% CI: 3.87–4.87 AU; coach RPC: 4.25; 95% CI: 3.92–4.60 AU), while a moderate positive relationship (rho = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.31–0.43; p <.001) was found between player RPC (4.29; 95% CI: 4.00–4.55) and coach RPC (4.96; 95% CI: 4.89–5.05) for team sessions. Forwards had a higher RPC (5.33; 95% CI: 4.50–5.65) compared to backs (3.45; 95% CI: 2.88–4.00) for split (p <.001) and team sessions (forward's RPC: 4.66; 95% CI: 4.37–4.94; back's RPC: 3.84; 95% CI: 3.38–4.26; p <.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, using a rating to quantify the perceived challenge of training, we found coaches may be overestimating how challenging their training sessions are. Forwards-rated field sessions more challenging than backs, which likely represents their additional technical and tactical demands from training scrums, line-outs and mauls. While the RPC has strong theoretical justification as a rating tool to potentially fulfil the gap of quantifying the perceived challenge of training, thoughtful validity studies are yet to be conducted on the scale, which are the required next steps if the RPC is going form part of a coach's and practitioner's toolbox to optimise skill training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationship between physical qualities and contact technique proficiency in rugby union players. Thirty-eight (n = 38) male academy rugby union players participated in the study. Physical measures of anthropometry, functional mobility, strength endurance, strength, power, speed, agility, and anaerobic and aerobic endurance were assessed. Tackler, ball-carrier, and ruck technique were assessed using video analysis of a standardised two-on-two contact drill. Seven physical qualities were moderately associated with tackler technique ; Push-ups (r2 = 0.2; β = 0.04; p = 0.005; ES = 0.26), Sit-ups (r2 = 0.2; β = 0.08; p = 0.004; ES = 0.27), Relative 1RM Bench Press (r2 = 0.2; β = 2.32; p = 0.003; ES = 0.29), Broad Jump (r2 = 0.2; β = 0.03; p = 0.009; ES = 0.22), Agility (r2 = 0.2; β = −0.47; p = 0.019; ES = 0.19), 40m-Speed with Ball (r2 = 0.1; β = 0.93; p = 0.027; ES = 0.16) and Functional Mobility (r2 = 0.2; β = 0.16; p = 0.007; ES = 0.25). There was a large association between ball-carrier technique and Medicine Ball Throw (r2 = 0.3; β = 1.13; p = 0.001; ES = 0.37), and a moderate association between ruck technique and agility without (r2 = 0.2; β = −0.75; p = 0.005; ES = 0.21) and with (r2 = 0.2; β = −0.55; p = 0.015; ES = 0.29) the ball. The findings demonstrate the important contribution of physical strength and conditioning to contact technique in rugby union players. Contact technique training should be accompanied with physical strength and conditioning, as improvements in physical qualities may serve as foundational components to underpin improvements in technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers a normative analysis of some of the most controversial incidents involving police—what I call police-generated killings. In these cases, bad police tactics create a situation where deadly force becomes necessary, becomes perceived as necessary, or occurs unintentionally. Police deserve blame for such killings because they choose tactics that unnecessarily raise the risk of deadly force, thus violating their obligation to prioritize the protection of life. Since current law in the United States fails to ban many bad tactics, police-generated killings often are treated as "lawful but awful." To address these killings, some call on changes to departmental policies or voluntary reparations by local governments, yet such measures leave in place a troubling gap between ethics and law. I argue that police-generated killings merit legal sanctions by appealing to a relevant analogy: self-generated self-defense, where the person who engages in self-defense started the trouble. The persistent lack of accountability for police-generated killings threatens life, police legitimacy, and trust in democratic institutions. The article closes by identifying tools in law and policy to address this challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the importance and complexity of developing sprint performance in football code athletes, there are limited studies exploring practitioners' practices to improves Sprinting. Therefore, this study aimed to describe and evaluate the practices used with elite football code athletes to develop sprint performance. Ninety subjects completed a survey comprised of four sections (coaching demographic, evaluation of training, organisation of training, and training protocols). Survey responses showed that 98% of practitioners monitor sprint performance, and 92% integrated monitoring strategies into sprint development programmes to inform training. All practitioners used combined training methods including specific (e.g., sprints with or without overload) and non-specific (e.g., strength training or plyometrics) methods targeting the underpinning determinants of sprint performance. Most practitioners reported prescribing 1–3 or 2–4 days · wk−1 for sprint development, both in-season and pre-season. Sprint development programmes were uncommon in the off-season. Most specific sprint training sessions were reportedly shorter in duration (5–15 and 15–30min) than non-specific sprint training methods (30–45 and >45min) irrespective of the season phases. Sprint development was integrated before and after sport-specific training, regularly using warm-ups and gym sessions. Specific training methods were also implemented in separate sessions. The specific content (e.g., exercise selection, training load prescription) was highly variable between practitioners. This study represents the first detailed survey (practices and justification) of sprint development practices (evaluation and organisation of training protocols) in football code cohorts. These findings present multiple methods of structuring, integrating and manipulating sprint training based on the training aims and the individual context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drop out and attrition rates in youth sport are well-documented in the literature. Research has found that children overwhelmingly state that enjoyment, fun, and positive experiences are the primary reasons to participate in sport. Competitive Engineering (CE) is a structurally-based competitive climate process designed to create a more positive experience in youth sport. CE encompasses changes to league structures, equipment, pitch-size, and game rules. For example, rule changes that stipulate greater involvement (e.g., playing time) or action (e.g., increasing scoring opportunities) are designed to improve engagement. Despite this, few studies have examined whether CE-based rule changes influence factors known to influence drop out from sport. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a rule change in youth rugby whereby any player selected as part of a match day squad must play at least half a game or equivalent (i.e., the 'Half-Game Rule'). To achieve this, we studied the influence of the rule change on player reported outcomes throughout the 2017/2018 playing season. Players who "always or almost always" experienced playing at least half a game more often than other players; reported higher enjoyment, than those who played less regularly (F = 35.6, P <.001). Importantly, players who reported higher levels of enjoyment also reported greater intentions to continue playing rugby (F = 6.4, P <.002). Findings support the use of CE to facilitate player enjoyment in team sports and could lead to reduced attrition in youth sport more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review was to consolidate and synthesise rugby union (RU) and rugby league (RL) studies on tackle and RU studies on ruck technique for rugby stakeholders. Forty-nine studies were identified (20 in RL and 29 in RU). RL studies primarily focussed on identifying factors that impact tackling ability. Leaner, fitter players, with greater lower body strength, tended to have more proficient tackle technique. Experience and level of play were positively associated with tackling ability. These findings highlight the importance of developing tackle technique and physical qualities to allow players to progress to higher levels. Research in RU mostly focussed on identifying tackle and ruck techniques associated with performance measures and injury outcomes. Eleven tackle techniques and five ball-carrier techniques were associated with both performance measures and injury outcomes. These findings support national injury prevention programmes that advocate that safe contact technique is also effective technique. (152 words) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the more important ventures in the world of media and development over the past decade has been The Guardian newspaper's 'Katine' project in Uganda. The newspaper, with funding from its readers and Barclays Bank, put more than 2.5 million pounds into a Ugandan sub-county over the course of 4 years. The project was profiled on a dedicated Guardian microsite, with regular updates in the printed edition of the newspaper. In this article, I look at the relationship that developed between journalists and the non-governmental organisation and show that the experience was both disorienting and reorienting for the development project that was being implemented. The scrutiny of the project that appeared on the microsite disoriented the non-governmental organisation, making its work the subject of public criticism. The particular issues explored by journalists also reoriented what the non-governmental organisation did on the ground. I also point to the ways the relationship grew more settled as the project moved along, suggesting the amount of work that sometimes goes into what is often characterised as the relatively uncritical relationship between journalists and non-governmental organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why do thinkers hostile or agnostic toward Christianity find in its apocalyptic doctrines—often seen as bizarre—appealing tools for interpreting politics? This article tackles that puzzle. First, it clarifies the concept of secular apocalyptic thought and its relation to Christianity. I propose that, to avoid imprecision, the study of secular apocalyptic thought should focus on cases where religious apocalyptic thought's influence on secular thinkers is clear because they explicitly reference such thought and its appeal (e.g. Engels's fascination with Christian apocalyptic thought). Second, it argues that the political appeal of apocalyptic thought—and, specifically, what I term cataclysmic apocalyptic thought (CAT)—partly lies in offering resources to navigate persistent challenges in ideal theory. The ideal theorist faces competing goals: formulating an ideal that is utopian and feasible. One potential approach to this challenge is CAT, which embraces a utopian ideal and declares it feasible through identifying crisis as the vehicle to realize it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate rugby league coaches' perceptions of physical qualities for current and future performance, while also establishing the training practices of under-16 and under-19 players. Twenty-four practitioners (rugby coach, strength and conditioning coach) working within nine Super League clubs completed a questionnaire. The questionnaire required practitioners to rank eleven physical qualities (i.e. strength, power, acceleration, maximum speed, aerobic endurance, change of direction, agility, height, body mass, lean mass and fat mass) by importance for current performance, future performance and career longevity according to playing position (forwards, backs, hookers and halves). Practitioners were asked to provide detail on the frequency and duration of each type of training session completed during a typical week throughout each phase of the season; pre-season, in-season (early), in-season (mid) and in-season (late). Typically, practitioners ranked strength, power and acceleration qualities highest, and endurance and anthropometric qualities lowest. The importance of physical qualities varied according to each playing level and position. Training practices of under-16 and under-19 players differed during each phase of the season, with under-19 players undertaking greater training volumes than under-16s players. Overall, the physical qualities coaches perceived as most important were not reflected within their training practices. Rugby league practitioners can use this information as a reference source to design long term athletic development plans, prescribe training and during player development procedures. Moreover, these data can inform and improve training practices while influencing the design of pre-season preparatory phases and in-season periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Student-athletes are subject to significant demands due to their concurrent sporting and academic commitments, which may affect their sleep. This study aimed to compare the self-reported sleep quality, quantity, and intraindividual variability (IIV) of students and student-athletes through an online survey.Hypothesis: Student-athletes will have a poorer sleep quality and quantity and experience more IIV.Study Design: Case-control study.Level Of Evidence: Level 4.Methods: Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while sleep quantity and IIV were assessed using the Consensus Sleep Diary. Initially, the PSQI and additional questions regarding sport participation habits were completed by 138 participants (65 students, 73 student-athletes). From within this sample, 44 participants were recruited to complete the sleep diary for a period of 14 days.Results: The mean PSQI score was 6.89 ± 3.03, with 65% of the sample identified as poor sleepers, but no difference was observed between students and student-athletes. Analysis of sleep patterns showed only possibly to likely small differences in sleep schedule, sleep onset latency, and subjective sleep quality between groups. IIV analysis showed likely moderate to possibly small differences between groups, suggesting more variable sleep patterns among student-athletes.Conclusion: This study highlights that sleep issues are prevalent within the university student population and that student-athletes may be at greater risk due to more variable sleep patterns.Clinical Relevance: University coaches should consider these results to optimize sleep habits of their student-athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rugby union is a late specialisation sport. As a consequence, youth players may still be engaged in other activities and sports throughout the year as they transition to rugby specialisation. Limited research exists quantifying rugby union training and matches as well as engagement in other activities and sports. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify and compare rugby union training, matches and other activities of elite youth U15 and U16 rugby union players at different stages of the season. Four-hundred and ninety-two youth (Under-15 and 16-year-old) rugby union players self-reported the frequency, intensity and duration of their participation in rugby union matches, rugby union training, gym, physical education and other sports during three different stages – September to December (Sept–Dec), January to April (Jan–Apr), May to August (May–Aug) – of the year. When all activities were combined, the frequency and volume of rugby matches and training was the greatest during the Sept–Dec stage. The frequency and volume of participating in other sports increased in the May–Aug stage of the season. Gym training frequency, intensity, and duration were stable across the year for both U15 and U16 players. Coaches and practitioners working with elite youth rugby union players should be aware that players are still participating in other activities outside of rugby training and competition. Coaches and practitioners should put structures in place to plan and monitor players' activities in order to optimise the positive outcomes of specialisation (e.g., expertise) while reducing the potential negative outcomes (e.g., injury, burnout). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To compare the game-play characteristics between the European Super League and the National Rugby League competitions. Methods Eleven team performance indicators were extracted from each match played by every European Super League and National Rugby League team over their respective 2016 season. Data were averaged, classified according to competition (two levels: European Super League and National Rugby League) and modelled using univariate and multivariate techniques. Specifically, effect size statistics enabled between group comparisons, while non-metric multidimensional scaling enabled multivariate insights into competition dissimilarity. Results Seven of the 11 performance indicators showed ‘large’ to ‘very large’ effects. Notably, National Rugby League game-play generated fewer ‘line breaks’, ‘errors’, ‘tackles’ and ‘dummy half runs’ relative to European Super League game-play (d > 1.2). Despite the National Rugby League generating fewer ‘all runs’ (d = 1.27 [0.57–1.95]), game-play in this competition generated greater ‘all run distances’ relative to the European Super League (d = 1.78 [1.02–2.51]). Non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed clear multivariate competition dissimilarity, with European Super League and National Rugby League teams orienting distinctive positions on the ordination surface. Further, there was a greater spread in the relative positioning of National Rugby League teams compared to European Super League teams, indicating greater team dissimilarity within the National Rugby League. Conclusions Our observations may be explained by differing competition rule interpretations, in addition to differing game strategies and player skill capabilities. Both coaches and talent recruitment managers associated with these competitions may consider our data to assist with the identification and recruitment of suitable players from these respective competitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study quantified the field-based external training loads of professional rugby league players using global positioning systems technology across a playing season. Eleven professional rugby league players were monitored during all field-based training activities during the 2014 Super League season. Training sessions undertaken in preseason (n = 211 observations), early (n = 194 observations), middle (n = 171 observations) and late (n = 206 observations) phases of the in-season were averaged for each player and used in the analyses. Large reductions in external training loads between preseason and in-season periods were observed. Within season, a decrease in intensity (relative distance, absolute and relative total-HSR) with a limited change in training duration was observed. These data provide a useful reference for coaches working with similar cohorts, while future research should quantify the adequacy of the training loads reported, considering impact on performance and injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In youth rugby union matches, tackle-related injuries account for 60% of all injuries, 62% of concussion injuries and almost 50% of spinal cord injuries (youth and amateur). Because of this high risk of injury, the inclusion of the tackle in youth rugby has been a topic of discussion in the public and a high priority research area for World Rugby. What a coach knows and his/her attitude toward player safety directly impacts the risk and performance profile of a player. The purpose of this study is to describe the tackle knowledge, attitudes and training behaviours of youth rugby coaches. The entire population of Western Province Rugby Union Premier A1 division (highest level of school rugby) under-19 rugby coaches (n = 8) completed a knowledge and attitude questionnaire and 96 field-training sessions were observed over four weeks. Coaches rated tackling (mean 3.9, 95% confidence interval 3.3–4.4), rucking (mean 3.8, 95% confidence interval 3.0–4.5) and ball-carrying (mean 3.6, 95% confidence interval 2.6–4.6) as high-risk of injury facets of play (H = 30.8, p < 0.001). Coaching proper technique was rated as very important for safety (mean 4.6, 95% confidence interval 4.2–5.0) and performance (mean 4.8, 95% confidence interval 4.4–5.0, U = 28, p > 0.05). Of the 96 observed training sessions, tackle training was recorded 16% of the time (vs. 84% no tackle training, p < 0.001). Coaches were aware of the risk of injury in the tackle and rated the coaching of proper technique of utmost importance. These positive knowledge and attitudes did not transfer into their tackle training. The discrepancy between coaches' tackle knowledge and attitudes, and their training of the tackle might be related to how competent they believe themselves to be in delivering tackle training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited information is available regarding the training loads of adolescent rugby union players. One-hundred and seventy male players (age 16.1±1.0 years) were recruited from 10 teams representing two age categories (under-16 and under-18) and three playing standards (school, club and academy). Global positioning systems, accelerometers, heart rate and session-rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) methods were used to quantify mean session training loads. Session demands differed between age categories and playing standards. Under-18 academy players were exposed to the highest session training loads in terms of s-RPE (236±42 AU), total distance (4176±433 m), high speed running (1270±288 m) and PlayerLoadTM (424±56 AU). Schools players had the lowest session training loads in both respective age categories. Training loads and intensities increased with age and playing standard. Individual monitoring of training load is key to enable coaches to maximise player development and minimise injury risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background One of the main challenges in the measurement of glucagon is the premise that it is unstable in human plasma. Traditionally, protease inhibitors have been used to prevent its degradation; however, their use is controversial. Here, we investigated the optimal method of sample collection for glucagon, with measurement by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and two commercially available immunoassays. Methods Blood from healthy fasting volunteers (n = 10) was processed under a variety of preanalytical conditions including collection in EDTA vs. lithium heparin tubes and the addition of aprotinin and/or a dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPPIV) inhibitor. Additionally, the effect of freeze thaw was assessed. Plasma glucagon concentrations were measured by LC-MS/MS and two commercially available immunoassays (HTRF® sandwich immunoassay, Cisbio and Milliplex MAP Human Metabolic Hormone Panel, Merck Millipore). Results A systematic bias of Milliplex > LC-MS/MS > HTRF was noted and plasma glucagon concentrations were significantly different between methods (Milliplex vs. LC-MS/MS P < 0.01; Milliplex vs. HTRF P < 0.0001; LC-MS/MS vs. HTRF P < 0.001). The addition of aprotinin, DPPIV inhibitor or a combination of aprotinin and DPPIV inhibitor had no effect on plasma glucagon concentrations when compared to 'non-stabilized' samples or each other. Whether samples were taken in EDTA tubes or lithium heparin tubes made no difference to plasma glucagon concentrations. These findings were consistent for all three methods. Plasma glucagon concentrations were not significantly different after two freeze-thaw cycles (performed on samples in EDTA tubes containing aprotinin and DPPIV inhibitor). Conclusions This study demonstrates that glucagon is stable in both EDTA and lithium heparin tubes when stored at -80℃. Furthermore, the addition of aprotinin and DPPIV inhibitors is unnecessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the anthropometric, speed and endurance characteristics of English academy soccer players, comparing players who obtained a 'professional' contract at 18 years old with those that did not ('academy'); 443 male academy soccer players from an English professional club undertook anthropometric (height and body mass), speed (10 and 20m sprint) and endurance (Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test level 2 [Yo-Yo]) assessments between 2005 and 2012. Significant improvements with age were found for speed and endurance at each annual age group up until U18 age category. Significant differences were only observed between 'professional' and 'academy' players for 10m (p = 0.003, η2 = 0.01) and 20m (p = 0.001, η2 = 0.01) speed at U16 and U18 and Yo-Yo performance (p = 0.001, η2 = 0.12) at U18 age category. Practitioners should use speed and endurance assessments for monitoring physical development of players rather than for talent identification purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the focus of research within athletic populations, little is known about the hydration strategies of rugby league referees. We observed all eight full-time professional referees, during 31 Super League matches to investigate the drinking strategies and magnitude of dehydration (body mass loss) experienced by referees during match play. Referees arrived and remained euhydrated (urine osmolality; pre and post-match 558±310 and 466±283 mOsmol⋅kg-1). Mean body mass change was -0.7±0.8%, fluid loss was 890±435 g and fluid intake was 444±167, 438±190, 254±108 and 471±221 g during pre-match, first half, half-time and second half. This study suggests that elite referees adopt appropriate hydration strategies during match-play to prevent large reductions in body mass, although individual variability was observed. Future research should investigate dehydration in referees from other sports and the effects on refereeing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the pharmaceutical success of introducing glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) analogues for the management of type 2 diabetes. The author states that the tratments aid weight loss and improve insulin secretion. An overview on the reasons why people with type 1 diabetes have lower circulating GLP-1 concentration is offered.

The article discusses the cardiovascular study for liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue used to reduce weight and improve glycaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. The study was designed to demonstrate non-inferiority, but the key result was a significant reduction in fatal/ non-fatal CVD from 15 to 13% in liraglutide-treated patients.

An abstract of the article "CYP24 inhibition as a therapeutic target in FGF23-mediated renal phosphate wasting disorders" by X. Bai and colleagues is presented.

The article discusses a research conducted by researchers on the effects of proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition on the reduced low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.

A review of the article “Contemporary bloodletting in cardiac surgical care" by C.G. Koch, E.Z. Reineks, A.S. Tang and colleagues, which appeared in the periodical “The Annals of Thoracic Surgery" in 2015, is presented.

An abstract of the article "Exploring necrotizing autoimmune myopathies with a novel immunoassay for anti-3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase autoantibodies" by L. Drouot, Y. Allenbach and F. Jouen is presented.

A review of the article "Effect of an RNA interference drug on the synthesis of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and the concentration of serum LDL cholesterol in healthy volunteers: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, phase I trial" by K. Fitzgerald and colleagues is presented.