Acute caffeine supplementation improves sprint performance and passing accuracy while reducing rating of perceived exertion in rugby players
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized placebo-controlled trials found that acute caffeine supplementation in rugby players was associated with small improvements in sprint performance (Hedges' g = -0.41, 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.08) and reduced rating of perceived exertion (Hedges' g = -0.40, 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.06). A large positive effect was observed for passing accuracy (Hedges' g = 1.65, 95% CI: 0.69 to 2.61), though with high heterogeneity. No significant effects were found for jumping, strength, or metabolic markers.
Evidence Score
Study Evidence
Study 1. Acute caffeine supplementation in rugby players: a systematic review and meta-analysis of physical performance, sport-specific performance, perceptual responses, and physiological markers.
metaLi J, Zhou D, Wang T, Liu Z, Zeng Z, Yue C, Huang C, Chen W, Shu J, Meng F · Frontiers in nutrition (2026)
Result: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized placebo-controlled trials found that acute caffeine supplementation in rugby players was associated with small improvements in sprint performance (Hedges' g = -0.41, 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.08) and reduced rating of perceived exertion (Hedges' g = -0.40, 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.06). A large positive effect was observed for passing accuracy (Hedges' g = 1.65, 95% CI: 0.69 to 2.61), though with high heterogeneity. No significant effects were found for jumping, strength, or metabolic markers.
Mechanism Graph
Limitations
- ⚠Certainty of evidence ranged from low to very low
- ⚠High heterogeneity and potential small-study effects for passing accuracy
- ⚠Observational evidence suggests possible sleep and recovery concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
Does caffeine improve sprint performance in rugby players?▼
Yes, the meta-analysis found a small but significant improvement in sprint performance (Hedges' g = -0.41) with acute caffeine supplementation.
What is the effect of caffeine on passing accuracy in rugby?▼
A large positive effect was found for passing accuracy (Hedges' g = 1.65), but this finding had high heterogeneity and potential small-study effects, so it should be interpreted cautiously.
Are there any negative effects of caffeine for rugby players?▼
Observational evidence suggested possible sleep and recovery concerns following caffeine exposure, though this was not the primary focus of the meta-analysis.
What is the recommended dose of caffeine for rugby players?▼
The review did not identify a specific recommended dose; subgroup analysis found no moderating effect of dose on outcomes.
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References
- 1.Li J, Zhou D, Wang T, Liu Z, Zeng Z, Yue C, Huang C, Chen W, Shu J, Meng F. "Acute caffeine supplementation in rugby players: a systematic review and meta-analysis of physical performance, sport-specific performance, perceptual responses, and physiological markers.." Frontiers in nutrition, 2026. PMID: 42490897 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1884686