The relationships between physical fitness attributes and match demands in rugby union referees officiating the 2019 Rugby World Cup

This study examined the relationships between physical fitness attributes and match demands in lead rugby union referees. Eleven referees underwent anthropometric assessments (40-m sprint, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, 1.2-km shuttle run) prior to 2019 Rugby World Cup. Match activities were assessed via global positioning system devices (total distance, high-speed running distance [>5 m·s−1], average speed, peak intensities over 1-min, 5-min, 10-min epochs) heart rate variables measured using chest-worn monitors (HRmean, summated-heart-rate-zones, time above 90% HRmax). Forty-metre sprint was significantly related maximum speed (P = 0.004; r −0.79) 0.037, −0.63) during matches. Likewise, ∑7 skinfold thickness correlated with 0.01, −0.72). Shuttle Run age, body mass index exhibited non-significant correlations > 0.05, −0.58 0.53) demand variables. Results suggest it may be pertinent for optimise capacity fat composition execute greater volumes reach higher speeds Test run tests are not specific activity thus relevant monitoring of