The Acute effects of Home Advantage on English Professional Rugby Union

Abstract

This study comprehensively explores the acute effects of Home Advantage (HA) in English professional Rugby Union, focusing on performance metrics that extend beyond winning percentages. The analysis was conducted on data collected from all 119 matches of the 2022-2023 season, aiming to investigate how HA influences specific match events. The results reveal that home teams won 69% of their matches, host a significantly higher scoring rate, particularly in terms of tries, and exhibiting superior ground gained per carry compared to away teams. In contrast, while away teams performed a slightly greater number of tackles, they also experienced a higher incidence of missed tackles, resulting in a lower overall tackle completion rate. Moreover, the findings indicate that away teams were more prone to injuries, particularly during the early part of the season, suggesting a potential link between travel fatigue and physical strain. Additionally, when attacking, away teams faced a higher frequency of penalties, complicating their ability to mount effective scoring opportunities. These findings suggest that HA not only influences match outcomes but also significantly impacts key in-game behaviours, such as try-scoring efficiency and defensive performance. This research provides valuable insights for coaches and players, emphasizing the need to adapt strategies for both home and away games to account for the unique advantages and disadvantages associated with HA. Future research should examine these effects across multiple seasons to deepen our understanding of the complexities surrounding Home Advantage in Rugby Union.