Match-play performance comparisons between elite and sub-elite hurling players

Background: The current study aimed to describe the differences in the external and internal loads between elite and sub-elite male senior hurling match-play and across halves of play. Methods: Global positioning systems (5-Hz) and heart rate (HR) monitors were used to collect data from 24 elite and 24 sub-elite hurling players during 16 games. Data [total distance (TD), distance per speed zone, max speed, number of entries, length of run, and mean HR] were presented per min (relative) for the total game and per half. Results: Elite players covered a greater relative TD (p < 0.001, ES = 1.85) and TD walking (p < 0.009, ES = 1.21) but covered lower TD running (p < 0.001, ES = 4.00) than sub-elite players. Temporal decreases between halves occurred in relative TD (p = 0.039, ES = 0.36), and the first five speed zones (p < 0.05) for sub-elite players and for distance covered walking (p = 0.001, ES = 0.98), jogging (p < 0.001, ES = 0.77), HSR (p = 0.022, ES = 0.46) and mean number of entries at HSR (p = 0.002, ES = 0.72) at elite level. Conclusion: Games specific conditioning activities to assist players to repeat the running performances for the duration of the match is significant, especially at a sub-elite level. The current results are the first to highlight the differences in external and internal workloads between sub-elite and elite male senior hurlers and across halves of play.