Development and validation of a standardised national testing program to support longitudinal performance, retention, and wellbeing of rugby players
We are pleased to announce a collaboration with Rugby Australia on an industry-focused PhD project to enhance the physical development of rugby union players across Australia. This partnership combines academic rigour with applied high-performance expertise to deliver meaningful, actionable insights for practitioners at all levels and in all formats of rugby union.
Our project, titled "Development and validation of a standardised national testing program to support longitudinal performance, retention, and wellbeing of rugby players," focuses on quantifying and monitoring key physical qualities in Australian rugby union players. It seeks to establish and implement a battery of standardised tests and reporting systems to inform decision-making across all Rugby Australia programs.
Leveraging the University's renowned expertise in sports performance research and Rugby Australia’s industry leadership in sport science integration, this project epitomises a collaborative approach that bridges the gap between academia and industry.
"This project delivers actionable, high-performance insights that directly inform how we identify, develop, and prepare athletes at the international level. Its impact lies in translating complex data into practical decisions that enhance performance outcomes across the Rugby Australia system.”
Dr. Matthew Kan (Head of Performance Science – Rugby Australia)
"This project delivers clear academic value by producing high-impact, applied research embedded within an elite sport environment. It strengthens ACU’s research and real-world impact by translating industry challenges into rigorous scholarship, building doctoral capacity, and reinforcing the University’s reputation for meaningful, industry-engaged research.”
Dr Jonathon Weakley
“I grew up playing and admiring rugby union, some of my earliest sporting memories are playing rugby with my cousins and watching the world cup with family. Since a young age I have had a passion for the sport and as I got older, developed a desire to help players improve both on and off the field. This project combines my desire to coach with my curiosity for how we can be better as an industry. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve in the coming years.”
Stephen Norman – PhD candidate
This project will deliver a nationally standardised testing system that provides actionable insights to coaches and practitioners across all levels of the game. For Rugby Australia, this means enhanced decision-making, clearer benchmarking, and more targeted athlete development leading into the 2027 Rugby World Cup. For the Australian Catholic University, it represents a meaningful translation of research into applied sports performance. More broadly, the project will contribute to Australia’s sporting landscape by advancing evidence-based approaches to athlete development, strengthening performance pathways, and supporting sustained international success.