International female rugby union players’ perceptions of how the menstrual cycle affects players on and off the field.

Owen, Hannah, Winter, Stacy, Brown, Nicola and Legg, Hayley S ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4995-2091 (2025) International female rugby union players’ perceptions of how the menstrual cycle affects players on and off the field. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching. (In Press)

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Abstract

There is limited research on female rugby players, particularly concerning how the menstrual cycle affects performance. This study explored international female rugby players perceptions and experiences of how the menstrual cycle impacts both on and off-field performance. Twelve international female rugby players (aged 26 ± 3.5 years) representing eight nations participated in one-to-one semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis identified three themes: (1) cycle-sensitive behaviour modifications, (2) the mental burden of the menstrual cycle, and (3) audience apprehension. Athletes reported adjusting training routines to manage menstrual symptoms, with abdominal and breast pain often prompting avoidance of contact drills. Tight-fitting kit exacerbated discomfort during bloating, and concerns about leakage, odour, and visibility of menstrual products disrupted performance focus. The findings highlight the need for greater awareness and support around menstrual health in elite rugby. Future researchers should prioritise developing strategies to minimise the menstrual cycle's impact both on and off-field performance.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education, Health and Sciences
Depositing User:	Hayley Legg
Date Deposited:	14 Oct 2025 09:33
Last Modified:	14 Oct 2025 09:45
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/15432

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