Performance indicators analysis of the three main European rugby union leagues : a preliminary study.

Engineering of Sport 15 - Proceedings from the 15th International Conference on the Engineering of Sport (ISEA 2024)

Since its professionalization in 1995, rugby union has grown in popularity across Europe and globally but also experienced a technological and analytical revolution. This evolution is centered around the use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), essential tools for understanding the multifaceted aspects of performance that steer a team towards victory. This study hypothesizes that KPIs vary significantly across different leagues due to diverse playing styles, competition structures, and team dynamics. Previous research has often focused on KPIs within individual championships, but a comparative analysis across the major European leagues - the Top 14, the Premiership, and the United Rugby Championship - remains unexplored. Our research aims to fill this gap by analyzing these leagues, providing insights into their unique strategic dimensions. This comparative approach not only enriches our understanding of professional rugby's dynamics but also offers valuable implications for coaching, player development, and game strategy in the context of varying league characteristics.