Athletes, especially rugby players, need to develop stamina to endure the length of a full game while playing at their top speed. Without stamina, players can get tired and play less effectively. When players feel fatigued the chance and risk of injury in a game increases.

In a rugby game an individual player will move at full speed for an average of 26 minutes. The time will be broken up into intervals. This is important to understand when creating a workout to help players to develop better stamina. Cardio workouts should be created as intervals with high activity level for at least 6 minutes followed by low activity level for double the length of the high activity time. For example, running for 10 minutes, followed by a brisk walking pace for 20 minutes. Rugby shorts should be worn, even when a player is exercising away from the field to help keep the muscles warm and to lower the risk of muscle fatigue.

Passing and running plays can be used for practice and for building stamina as well. A coach will need to monitor each individual on the team to evaluate who needs more stamina building exercises and who should concentrate on the game efficiencies such as passing.

Repetitions are very important in stamina building. The passing and running plays will allow players to develop both better playing abilities and stamina for specific parts of the body that are used when playing rugby. With proper practice methods and continuous activities designed for each player, a team can build overall stamina.