Exploring Predictors and Patterns of Acceleration in an Elite Male Rugby Union Season

<strong>Background</strong>: Physical testing and monitoring are widely used in elite sport, generating a multitude of data. While this information can be valuable, its utility requires careful scrutiny. In particular, muscular power is vital for success in rugby union but the relationship between power testing, particularly preseason jump testing, and the on-field expression of power as acceleration, is unclear. Initially, this study sought to determine theoretical peak acceleration (<em>a<sub>peak</sub></em>) in an elite rugby union season via <em>in-situ</em> Acceleration-Speed (A-S) profiles. Following this, the study aimed to (a) determine whether <em>a<sub>peak</sub></em> was predicted by preseason countermovement jumps (CMJ); (b) investigate differences in A-S Profiles between playing positions and (c) investigate differences in CMJ discrete variables and force-time series between playing positions.