Performance Analysis in Professional Irish Rugby Union - Mapping Future Success

This doctoral thesis investigates the use and impact of performance analysis in Irish Rugby, aiming to elucidate current practices and identify future directions. The research employs a multi-faceted approach to comprehensively explore the role of performance analysis in Irish rugby. A thorough examination of published literature was conducted, utilising predefined search criteria and coding for content analysis and discussion, highlighting a lack of depth of published knowledge pertaining to impact. Next, player, coach, and stakeholder perceptions were assessed through surveys and follow-up interviews, providing a holistic view of performance analysis in Irish Rugby. Players preferred shorter, concise performance analysis sessions with one-to-one feedback highly valued. Content from an online conference hosted by the researcher was incorporated to broaden the research scope and capture the latest international industry insights. Following this, a data-driven approach was employed to distinguish key variables that contribute to the success or failure of Irish Rugby in international competitions, offering quantitative insights into performance factors. This thesis concludes with a unique self-reflective study, exploring the researcher’s journey as an early-career analyst alongside the parallel evolution of data availability and utility in professional rugby. This comprehensive investigation not only illuminates the current state of performance analysis in Irish Rugby but also provides valuable insights for future developments. By combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including innovative machine learning techniques, this thesis offers a multidimensional perspective on the impact of performance analysis in rugby. The findings of this research have significant implications for players, coaches, and sports organisations, potentially influencing training methodologies and strategic decision-making. The findings may also be applicable in other industries where feedback, reporting and assessment is required.