ABSTRACT
The quantification and evaluation of training practices in youth rugby players, including exposure to competition and training loads, is important for supporting long-term athletic development. This chapter discusses the research that focused on training practices and loads of youth rugby players from macrocycle to individual session characteristics. Training loads in youth rugby are highly variable within and between players, and the characteristics of training practices have been shown to differ by age category, playing standard, and region. Inconsistency in the methodologies used to quantify external and internal training loads of youth rugby players is a major limitation of the current research, with limited data available in rugby league. Future research is required to determine the dose-response relationship of training in youth rugby players with regards to long-term athletic development and injury risk. This research should account for all training and match loads, including loads accumulated from other sports and recreational activities, and additional psychological, social, and academic stressors.
