The 'convergence of the twain': A notational analysis of northern hemisphere rugby league and rugby union football 1988-2002

<p> </p> <p>The principal aim of this study was to create longitudinal profiles (1988-2002) for the games of rugby union and</p> <p>rugby league football in order to identify whether changes in time, offence, defence and game action variables,</p> <p>and positional and game performance indicators were a reflection that the two codes of rugby were 'converging'.</p> <p>Anecdotal evidence had suggested that due to certain administrative developments within this time frame many</p> <p>facets of the two games were becoming similar, thereby spawning the notion of a future single, unified game of</p> <p>'rugby'. This thesis presents the first empirical and objective assessment of whether such convergence has</p> <p>occurred.</p> <p>The data for this study were extracted from 48 video-taped recordings of First Grade rugby league and</p> <p>International rugby union in the Northern hemisphere over the specified time frame. The matches were</p> <p>identifiable by Era (pre-/post-professional) and Period (1988-92, 1993-95, 1997-99 and2000-02). Key aspects of</p> <p>play or performance were distinguished via game models and expert opinion and were scrutinised via a series of</p> <p>specifically designed and validated hand notation systems. Initial analysis considered (and established) the</p> <p>reliability of these systems, thereafter parametric and non-parametric inferential statistical teohniques were</p> <p>employed to identify Era and Period effects within each Code, with the additional analyses to consider the effects</p> <p>of Game Result and Game Quarter Outcomes.</p> <p>The findings from these analyses, particulaily the observed increase in ball in play time, changes at the ruck,</p> <p>maul, and lineout, and alterations in defence patterns of play, have provided a strong argument that the two Codes</p> <p>underwent a discernable degree of convergence over the years being considered. It was concluded that the</p> <p>introduction of professional playing status (rugby union), the summer playing season (rugby league), and law</p> <p>changes were likely causes of the two games being now similar in many respects. Although additional analyses</p> <p>should be encouraged to corroborate the present findings, the case for the development of a single Code of rugby</p> <p>can now be made.</p>