Physiological specificities
As outlined in the World Rugby Advanced Conditioning for Rugby Pre-Level 2 online module, training should be relative to a player’s physiological characteristics and goals, regardless of their gender (Reference 4).
However, coaches should be aware of the important differences. These are discussed in more detail in the Advanced Conditioning for Rugby Pre-Level 2 module:
In general, women are suited to more endurance type exercise whereas males have a greater capacity for short explosive bursts.
While on average, men have a size and hormonal advantage in terms of gaining muscle mass, the magnitude of strength changes in males and females is generally similar following resistance training.
There is an increased risk of certain types of injuries, such as torn knee ligaments, and exercises to reduce these risks.
It is worth noting that in many cultures girls do not engage in the same sorts of physical play as boys, so they might come to rugby with less experience in physical activities and related skills like falling safely. Where needed, coaches should consider adding modified wrestling and combat activities to develop these skills. World Rugby’s Contact Confident resource offers a structured program to reduce injuries through improved physical competence, and is especially relevant for coaches of women and girls.
Menstruation
While the average menstrual cycle is 28 days, individual experiences can vary widely, and the schedule and intensity of a women’s menstrual cycle might change from one period to the next.
Women in sports have reported that menstruating negatively impacts their performance, reducing their endurance, recovery, speed, or strength (Reference 5). Symptoms can be mild or severe, and might include bloating, headaches, nausea, abdominal cramps, and changes in moods. Any of these could make it difficult to practice or play rugby.
Many women are reluctant to share details about their menstrual cycle with other players or coaches. While it is not dangerous for players to participate in sports while menstruating, players should be allowed to regulate their activity based on the symptoms that they are experiencing. Sharing methods to manage or reduce symptoms could improve a player’s ability to participate in practices and games. For these reasons, it is important that players have a safe and supportive forum for discussing their menstrual cycles and know where to get advice or information as needed.
Pre-natal and post-natal players
The degrees and ways that pregnancy and childbirth affect women vary greatly, and it is important that each individual is allowed to decide for themselves how to manage their condition.
Based on current medical research (Reference 6), World Rugby recommends that players do not participate in contact rugby while pregnant, unless they have written approval from an appropriate medical practitioner. It is acknowledged that there are many important benefits that low-impact exercise offers to women during and after pregnancy, and teams can offer a range of ways to keep pregnant and post-natal players involved with the team on and off the field.
Recovery from childbirth varies greatly, and players should be allowed to determine when they are ready to return to the game, with advice from their medical practitioner, when appropriate.
Relative Energy Deficiency in sport (RED-S)
This is a condition caused by not taking in enough calories to meet the energy expenditure of competitive athletes. Although not limited to females, it is more common among competitive female athletes, for a variety of reasons including body dysmorphia, pressure to keep body weight low, lack of nutritional education, and other factors. It can have severe, long-term implications including fertility impairment and reduced bone density. Some symptoms of Relative Energy Deficiency in sport include (but are not limited to) (Reference 7):
- Anxiety around food and training
- Unusual tiredness
- More prone to injury and illness
- Slower recovery from exertion, injury or illness
- Reduced ability to process body fat
- Deteriorating performance in training and competition
- Bouts of depression, anxiety or irritability
- Excessive weight loss
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Erratic menstrual cycles (shorter, longer, lighter, or absent).
It is important to emphasize good nutrition and a positive body image, encourage open discussions about symptoms and healthy eating habits, and guide players to watch for symptoms. Measuring of athletes should focus on changes in physical abilities, not weight or body fat percentage. If changes to physical composition are important, they should be accomplished over a reasonable time in a healthy manner.
The following infographic, showing symptoms on the left and training/playing recommendations on the right is adapted from the IOC relative energy deficiency in sport clinical assessment tool (RED-S CAT) (Reference 7). This can be used by Team Medics to inform the coaching plan.
