The psychological landscape of elite rugby league: a scoping review

Abstract

Rugby league is a globally played, culturally diverse sport with distinct physical and psychological demands. While the physiological requirements are well studied, psychological research is limited. This scoping review synthesises 70 peer-reviewed studies (up to June 2025) involving 7641 participants, including elite players, coaches, staff, practitioners and referees. Findings span five categories: cognitive performance; psychophysiological impacts; social, cultural and environmental influences; development and motivational pathways; and psychological health. Elite rugby league faces intersecting pressures from elite sport demands, professional scrutiny, cultural complexity, physical contact, and the rise of elite female athletes, offering valuable insights into these domains. Reflecting FEPSAC's safeguarding position, the review highlights the need to prioritise emotional wellbeing and identity alongside physical protection. Four key recommendations are proposed: (a) promote diverse and inclusive research, (b) enhance conceptual and methodological rigour, (c) deepen understanding of psychological factors linked to performance, injury and collision, and (d) cultivate environments that safeguard mental health. This review challenges the field to confront the tensions between high-performance norms and athlete wellbeing, calling for more culturally responsive, system-level approaches. Applied implications outline practical steps to embed a safeguarding culture across rugby league systems.