Determining the individual attributes influencing professional male rugby athlete value in South Africa

Abstract

South Africans are very much a sporting nation with the ability to host and compete on the world stage in classic fashion. Through sport and inspirational leadership South Africans have united as one nation behind any particular sport discipline.To this end a qualitative research study was conducted with key stake holders within the South African Super Rugby industry. Structured interviews were conducted to highlight or unearth attributes or factors that may or may not influence Super Rugby athlete value when contract discussions took place.The research found that although rugby player contract offering is based on physical performance measures there are other factors which can be attributed to an individual that may impact that player’s perceived value. These attributes can and usually do vary between individuals. The research managed not only to highlight a number of attributes that are relevant to professional rugby player value but created a basis from which more research can be conducted enhancing knowledge around South African Super Rugby players.