Small-sided games (SSG) are popular in team sports training because they are thought to promote physiological, kinematic, and tactical benefits. Researchers in the football codes often use this as a rationale for conducting SSG-related investigations. However, the prevalence of SSG has not been scientifically docmented in rugby union (RU). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of SSG in RU and develop understanding of how SSG are implemented in RU practice. An anonymous, multiple-choice electronic survey including a proposed consensus definition was dispersed globally through email and several social media platforms. The survey was launched and re-distributed six times at regular intervals over a one-year period. One hundred and fifteen responses were collected from various RU coaching strata. The respondents ratified the proposed definition, identifying SSG as modifiable methods representative of the full game, which can be used to target various training outcomes. Ninety-nine percent of survey participants used SSG. The largest cohort was characterised by =5 years of coaching experience (n = 76; 66% of sample) in New Zealand (n = 89; 77%), fulfilling the role of head coach (n = 61; 53%) to male RU players (n = 79; 69%). Eighty-five percent of coaches (n = 98; 85%) reported using SSG every 1 to 3 sessions. 3v3 (top 1) and 5v5 (top 3) were the most popular formats. These formats were used to improve technique (n = 30; 26%) and promote fun (n = 29; 25%). SSG are widespread and frequently used by New Zealand RU coaches through involving different numbers of players. RU staff have a uniform conceptual understanding of SSG. The implementation of SSG is related to coaching roles. Meaningful differences in the implementation of SSG are plausible in RU practice depending on playing levels, coaching experience, player sex, and geographic location.
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