Journal article 3 views
Psychosocial Characteristics of the World’s Best Male Rugby Union Players
Alexandra Turner,
Ross Roberts,
James Hardy,
James Bell,
James Bickley,
Andrew Rogers,
Don Barrell,
Camilla Knight 
Journal of Expertise
Swansea University Author:
Camilla Knight
Abstract
In this study we investigated the psychosocial factors underpinning success and development in rugby union. Using a purposeful sampling strategy, we recruited five former world’s best international male rugby union players and conducted in-depth retrospective interviews with them and their nominated...
| Published in: | Journal of Expertise |
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| Published: |
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa68438 |
| Abstract: |
In this study we investigated the psychosocial factors underpinning success and development in rugby union. Using a purposeful sampling strategy, we recruited five former world’s best international male rugby union players and conducted in-depth retrospective interviews with them and their nominated coaches. Abductive thematic analysis revealed commonalities, as well as differences, across the participants. Encountering adversity during childhood that was coupled with a positive sport experience and career turning point, obsessiveness, perfectionism and narcissism, a dual mastery and outcome focus, placing great emphasis on the importance of sport, a need for success, and an ability to perform under pressure, were perceived to be important to the development of excellence in rugby. Dichotomous thinking, self and team focus, and avoidant attachment strategies were also found to be commonalities among participants. Drawing the results together, two distinct personality profiles appeared to emerge, both seemingly complemented by avoidant attachment strategies. Findings suggest that encountering adversity, particularly disruptions to parental relationships, and the realization of self-protective attachment strategies, coupled with a positive sport related event, may facilitate the drive and development of the necessary personality traits and behaviors to achieve excellence in rugby. Therefore, understanding the role of attachment in the development of excellence in sport, alongside a greater awareness of the nuanced differences in personality profiles which underpin similar high-performance behaviors has considerable benefit not only for research, but also for enhancing the delivery of applied psychology practice in sport. |
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| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |