Table 3 A descriptive summary of procedure for the tests identified as commonly used in the included studies

Speed

5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m, 30, 40 m, 50 m and 60 m sprint tests

Players run along the 60 m distance from a pre-determined starting point. Running speed evaluated at 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m, 40 m, 50 m and 60 m using dual beam electronic timing gates.

Total sprint time per each distance (s)

[5,6,7,8, 10, 16,17,18,19, 27, 29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49, 52, 53, 55,56,57,58,59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67, 69, 73, 75,76,77, 79]

Repeated sprinting ability (RSA)

Repeated 20 m sprint tests

Players perform 10 or 12 maximal effort sprints over a 20 m distance with each sprint performed on a 20 or 30-s cycle. Recovery characterised by walking around the cone 10 m from the end of the sprint track.

Total repeated sprint time (s), percentage decrement, average heart rate (b.min⁻¹), peak heart rate (b.min⁻¹), rating of perceived exertion.

[16, 29, 49,50,51]

Rugby-specific repeated speed (RS²) test

The test consists of three sets of three or four individual sprints performed maximally at set time intervals. Each set of sprints is separated by periods of standardised work where the players jog with a weighted bag. Players repeated sprints are measured using electronic timing gates over the same distance as speed (30 m for backs and 20 m for forwards and half backs).

Mean time per sprint (s), *fatigue, mean of 12 sprints for 20 m for forwards and the mean of 9 sprints for 30 m for backs

[17, 52]

Repeated effort ability (REA)

Repeated-effort test

The protocol comprises of 12 × 20 m sprints and tackles with each sprint commencing every 20s and the tackle performed after each 20 m sprint.

Total repeated effort time(s), % decrement, average heart rate (b.min⁻¹), peak heart rate (b.min⁻¹), rating of perceived exertion

[51]

Repeated high intensity exercise performance (RHIE)

RHIE Backs test

Each player complete 3 × 20 m sprints on a 20s cycle. After 3 sprints, players complete 2 tackles 10 m away with 20s recovery. This drill is repeated three times for each participant.

Individual sprint time (s), sum of sprint time (s), decrement in sprint time over the 3 sets of sprints (s)

[24]

RHIE RL Forward test

Similar to the RHIE Backs test, except that players complete 5 tackles in each circuit.

Sum of sprint times (s), decrement in sprint time (s)

[24]

RHIE RU Forward test

Each player complete 3 × 20 m sprints on a 20s cycle. After 3 sprints, players complete a ‘scrum sled shuttle’ four times. Then players repeat the sprint shuttles (3 × 20 m). After that, players tackle a tackle bag at 10 m four times

Total sprint time (s), decrement in sprint performance (s)

[24]

Prolonged high intensity intermittent running ability/Endurance

Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (level 1)

Players perform 2 × 20 m runs back and forth at a progressively increasing speed keeping to a series of beeps/audio signals from compact disc. Players perform the test at level 1.

Total distance covered (m), last level reached

[15, 19, 53,54,55,56, 59, 60]

Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (level 2)

Same as above but the test is performed at level 2.

Total distance covered (m)

[24]

Repeated 12 s sprint shuttle speed test

Players perform 8 × 12 s maximal effort shuttles (sprinting forward 20 m, turning 180 degrees and sprinting 20 m), each shuttle performed at 48 s cycle.

Total sprint distance, percentage decrement

[16, 49, 50]

Multistage fitness test

Players run back and forth along a 20 m track keeping in time with the series of beeps on a compact disc with the speed progressively increased until volitional exhaustion.

Total distance covered (m)

[57]

5 min run

Players are required to cover as much distance as possible around the course in a 5-min period.

Total distance covered (m)

[58]

Maximal aerobic fitness

Multistage(shuttle run) fitness test

Same as above

Number of shuttles/laps/levels completed, total distance covered (m), predicted VO_2MAX

[7, 8, 10, 16, 27, 30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37, 40, 41, 43,44,45,46, 48,49,50, 61,62,63,64,65,66,67]

Yo-yo intermittent recovery test (level 1)

Players perform 20 m runs back and forth at a progressively increasing speed keeping to a series of beeps/audio signals from compact disc. Players perform the test at level 1.

VO_2MAX predicted via the equation: distance run (m) × 0.0084 + 36.4

[69]

30–15 Intermittent Fitness test (30–15_IFT)

30s shuttle runs interspersed with 15 s periods of passive recovery. Players run back and forth between 2 lines 40 m apart at a pace governed by a pre-recorded beep.

Last stage reached, running velocity (V_IFT)

[68]

1500 m run (Metabolic Fitness Index for Team Sports)

Players would perform the 1500 m run on a synthetic running track.

Time taken to complete the distance (m)

[42]

Maximal aerobic speed/Anaerobic speed reserve

30–15 Intermittent Fitness test (30–15_IFT)

30s shuttle runs interspersed with 15 s periods of passive recovery. Players run back and forth between 2 lines 40 m apart at a pace governed by a pre-recorded beep.

Maximal aerobic speed (MAS), Anaerobic speed reserve (ASR)

[53, 59]

Anaerobic endurance

Triple 120 m shuttle (T120S) test

Players perform 3 sets of 120 m shuttle sequences.

Time taken to complete the 120 m shuttle, maximum heart rate, blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion

[70]

Wingate 60 (w60) cycle test

Each player will perform a 60s all out maximal effort on a cycle ergometer according to the Wingate protocol.

Maximal heart rate, blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion

[70]

300 m shuttle run test

Players sprint maximally between two lines, 15 times, for a total distance of 300 m.

Total time to complete the run (s)

[51]

400 m sprint test (Metabolic Fitness Index for Team Sports)

Players run maximally an entire lap of the track for 400 m.

Time to complete the run (s)

[42]

Agility/change of direction speed (CODS)

505 test

Players assume a starting position 10 m from timing gates. They accelerate as quickly as possible along the 15-m distance, pivot on the 5 m line or turn 180 degrees at the 15 m mark and return as quickly as possible through the timing gates placed 5 m from a designated turning point

Total time taken (s)

[16, 19, 36, 37, 41, 43,44,45,46,47,48,49, 53, 65,66,67, 72]

L-run

Three cones placed 5 m apart in an ‘L’ shape. Players run as quickly as possible along the 5 m, turn left, run forward 5 m, turn 180 degrees and follow same course to finish and dual beam electronic timing gates used to record time.

Total time taken (s)

[19, 31, 32, 34, 35, 40, 58]

Illinois Agility test

Players start lying in prone on the starting line. On a signal the players stand up and accelerate towards and around the cones set up. They can sprint for 9 m return to the starting line; they swerve in and out of the four cones completing two 9 m sprints to finish the agility course.

Total time taken to complete the course (s)

[27, 30, 64]

Modified 505 test

Two timing gates placed 5 m apart from s designated turning point; unlike the traditional 505 test where players start at 10 m from the timing gates and therefore 15 m from the turning point, players start 5 m from the timing gates, pivot on the 5 m line and return as quickly as possible through the timing gates

Total time taken to complete the course (s)

[19, 73]

Change of direction speed test

Players sprint forward 5 m then perform a 45 degree change of direction manoeuvre to pass through either left or right finish gate.

Total time taken to complete the course (s)

[6, 74]

Agility test

Players sprint 5 m through the first timing gates to the second timing gates and sprint back to the third timing gate positioned at the starting line 5 m from the first and sprint back to the fourth timing gate positioned 5 m away from the second time to finish the course

Total time taken to complete the course (s)

[75]

Novel agility test (no specific name given)

Players sprint 1 m at a 45 degree angle, turn around a marker cone, sprint at 45 degrees for 10 m back to starting line. Here they make 135 degree turn around another cone and sprint 20 m in a straight line perpendicular to the goal line

Total time taken to complete the course (s)

[77]

Lower body muscular power

Vertical jump test

Using a Yardstick device or a board, players stand with feet flat on the ground, fully extended arms and hands, and mark the standing reach height. After assuming a crouch position, players spring upward and touch the yardstick device or the board at the highest possible point.

Vertical jump height calculated as the distance from the highest point reached during and the highest reaching during the vertical jump

[15, 16, 30,31,32,33,34,35,36, 40, 42, 49, 61, 64, 65, 73]

Countermovement jump test (CMJ)

Players put hands on hips and jump from the jump mat or portable force plate from a standing position moving from a self-selected depth in squatting and jump explosively as far as possible. A Takei vertical jump metre may be used.

Jump height, peak power, vertical power was estimated by equation: CMJ power (W) =61.9 × Jump height + 36.0 × body mass-1822.

[18, 38, 39, 41, 43,44,45,46,47,48, 53, 55,56,57, 60, 62, 63, 66, 67, 69, 75, 76]

Jump squat test

Players self-select foot position and lower the Olympic bar 40 kg to a self-selected depth and then the players are required to jump as explosively as possible. The bar will be resting on upper trapezius. Loaded jump squat may have a resistance of 20 kg to 100kgs conducted using the Plyometric Power System (PPS) or 40 kg jump squat from a force plate.

Mechanical power output

[13, 75, 77,78,79]

Lower body muscular strength

One repetition maximum back squat (1RM BS)

Using an Olympic bar and free weights, players back squat until the top of the thigh is parallel with the ground and return to a standing position to record one repetition maximum.

Maximum weight lifted (kgs)

[5, 17, 18, 38, 55, 56, 69, 77, 80]

Isometric squat on force plate

Players stand on a force plate with the bar of a Smith Machine resting on upper trapezius at a height which results in an angle of 135 degrees knee flexion.

Peak force generated (n)

[75]

1 RM box squat

Players use a self-selected foot position and lower themselves to sitting position briefly on the box and then return to standing position

One repetition maximum (kgs)

[13, 42]

3RM full squat exercise

Players perform this with the free weight Olympic-style barbell. Players lower their body until thighs are past parallel with the floor and fully extend the hip and knee joints

Maximum weight lifted (kgs)

[15]

Upper body muscular strength

One repetition maximum bench press (1RM BP)

Players in supine, feet flat on floor, hips and shoulders in contact with the bench, lower the bar to touch the chest and push the bar until the elbows are locked out.

Maximum weight lifted (kg)

[5, 7, 17, 27, 38, 42, 55, 56, 58, 69, 78, 80]

3RM bench press

The test is performed as above at three repetition maximum

Maximum weight lifted (kg)

[15, 60]

1RM chin up test

Players use a reverse underhand grip (palms facing towards face). Players instructed to start from a stationary position with arms fully extended and complete a repetition with the chin moving over the bar

One repetition maximum (kgs)

[17, 42]

Push-Up test

Players begin in prone, with hands on the floor, thumbs shoulder width apart and elbows fully extended. Players are instructed to descend to the tester fist placed on the floor below the players’ sternum and then ascend until the elbows are straight.

The number of push-ups in one minute (n)

[27]

1RM Prone row

Participants lay face down on a bench with the bench height determined by the players reach when the arms are fully extended. Participants have to pull the barbell towards the bench and the lift will be recorded if both sides of the barbell touch the bench

Maximum weight lifted (kg)

[18]

Upper body muscular power

20s push up test

Players assume prone position, body lowered until the elbows are 90 degrees, followed by a return to the starting position with arms fully extended.

Time taken to complete 20 full push ups (s)

[36]

20s chin up test

Players assume a hanging position on the bar, hands shoulder width apart with supinated grip and arms extended. Players are to raise the body until the chin touched the top of the bar with the head in neutral position.

Maximum number of chin-ups in 20 s

[36]

Overhead ball throw test

Players stand with 1 ft aligned with the a line marked on the ground facing the throwing direction, with a 3 kg medicine ball held in both hands behind the head, each player is required to plant the front foot with the toe behind the line and to throw the medicine ball overhead as far as possible.

Maximum distance thrown (m)

[73]

Chest throw test

Players throw a 2 kg medicine ball horizontally as far as possible while seated with the back against the wall

Maximum distance thrown (m)

[41, 43,44,45,46,47,48, 57, 66]

Bench throw test

Players use a self-selected hand position and lower the bar to a self-selected depth approximately 90 degrees at the elbow and then throw or propel the bar vertically as explosively as possible.

Maximum weight thrown (kgs)

[13]

Upper body muscular endurance

60s push up test

Players assume prone position, body lowered until the elbows are 90 degrees, followed by a return to the starting position with arms fully extended.

Maximum number of push-ups in 60s

[36]

60s chin up test

Players assume a hanging position on the bar, hands shoulder width apart with supinated grip and arms extended. Players are to raise the body until the chin touched the top of the bar with the head in neutral position.

Maximum number of chin ups in 60s

[36]

Bench Press repetitions-to-fatigue (BP RTF)

Players perform bench press repetitions as possible till fatigue at two markedly different resistances of 60-kgs and 102.5-kgs

Number of repetitions (n)

[81]

Bench press repetitions-to-fatigue at 60% 1RM

Players perform bench press repetitions as possible till fatigue with a resistance of 60% of their one repetition maximum bench press

Number of repetitions at 60% 1RM BP

[81]

Pull up test

Using an underhand grip, and the hands 10–15 cm apart, players start in the hanging position and ascended to a position with the chin above the bar and then return to starting position with arms extended.

Maximal number of completed pull-ups

[7]

Body mass bench press with repetition

Using players body mass as resistance for as many repetitions as possible until fatigue

Number of repetitions (n)

[15]

30s Plyometric push up

Participants would take a push-up position supporting self on the palm of left or right hand with the other hand placed on the top of a 5 kg medicine ball. The players then lower themselves to the ground until elbows are 90 degrees; they then forcefully pushes back with complete extension of the arms, while shifting the hand on the ground across to the new position on the medicine ball. Similarly, the hand on the ball shift across to a position approximately 2 shoulder widths on the opposite side of the ball

Maximum number of repetitions in designated time period

[58]

Abdominal endurance

60s Sit up

Participants would sit with feet flat on the floor and held in position by another player. The arms would be crossed at the shoulders and knees bent at an angle approximately 90 degrees. On command, the players would curl the trunk so that elbows touch the front of the thighs and then return to starting position

Maximum number of repetitions in 60s

[58]