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A Coach's Guide to Setting Up the Rugby Bronco Test

Bronco test timing is easy to misread when the cones drift or the finish is unclear. World Rugby describes a continuous shuttle test built from 20m, 40m and 60m turns, repeated five times. Measure those marks carefully and keep the recorded result tied to that exact version.

Know what the Bronco score represents

World Rugby's Passport conditioning material describes the Bronco as five continuous shuttle sequences over 20m, 40m and 60m, completed as fast as possible, with total time recorded. The whole course adds up to 1.2km. That is one continuous test result, not five separate sprint times or a 1.2km straight run.

In the World Rugby description, each sequence begins at the shared start line, reaches the 20m mark and returns, then reaches the 40m mark and returns, then reaches the 60m mark and returns. Repeat the sequence five times without inserting a planned rest between sets. If your club uses another Bronco variant, write down the source and route rather than calling the two formats interchangeable.

Measure the turn points from one baseline

Choose a straight, level lane and mark one shared start line. Measure the 20m, 40m and 60m turn points from that same line, not from the cone used in the previous shuttle. Put a visible marker at each distance and check the full run-out with a tape or a measured wheel before the group arrives.

The distance arithmetic follows the route described in the World Rugby Passport Bronco description. Keep the ends clear and make each turn marker easy to see at speed. If athletes use a particular foot-touch or line-crossing rule, agree on it before the session and follow the test organizer's version consistently.

Define one timing start and one final finish

For the primary Bronco result, start the clock on the agreed first movement and stop it when the athlete completes the final return. Record elapsed time in one named field. Do not accidentally report an intermediate pass through the shared line as the final time.

A shuttle timing system may register repeated crossings at the same line. Before the session, confirm how the selected mode treats the first trigger, each return and the final pass. If the display cannot distinguish those events, use a stopwatch for the overall score and retain electronic crossings only as clearly labelled supplementary data. The S-002 product page describes a system intended for shuttle-run timing; confirm the chosen configuration and event logic for your route.

Do not add rest between sequences if you are comparing against a continuous-test record. A rest interval changes the task. It may still be a useful conditioning drill, but give it a different name in the session sheet.

Run the group without changing the test

One coach can supervise while a second person records times, trial IDs and any interrupted run. With a large group, use separate lanes only after checking that each lane has the same measured distances and a clear turn area. Keep runners from crossing one another's path at the shared baseline.

Give every participant the same route briefing and start cue. Log the surface, footwear, weather and any route change. A result without the course version is hard to compare later, even when the timer shows hundredths. For wider team testing, the rugby sprint testing guide covers straight-line assessments, while the team testing-day workflow helps organize lane assignments and result checks.

Compare sessions only when the route matches

Before comparing Bronco test timing across dates, check that the distances, turn lines, timing start, finish event and surface match. A small course change can alter the repeated braking and re-acceleration workload. Keep an old result if the setup changed, but mark it as a different version instead of blending the two.

The same rule applies when you add intermediate splits. Label them by the actual event, such as “sequence 2 return” or “final return,” not simply “split 5.” If you cannot verify what a stored crossing means, leave it out of a comparison. The S-002 shuttle-run workflow and shuttle versus lap timing guide explain how route shape affects timer selection.

The session-comparison guide covers consistent athlete records. For longer wireless links or a course away from the operator, see the S-006 course survey; do not assume a model's range from the product name alone.

Questions about Bronco test timing

How long is the Bronco test?

The World Rugby Passport description uses five continuous 20m, 40m and 60m shuttle sequences. Together they total 1.2km.

Where does the Bronco test clock stop?

Record the continuous test from the agreed start event to completion of the final shuttle. Keep intermediate crossings as splits only if the timing setup records and labels them clearly.

Can I compare Bronco times from different course layouts?

Only with caution. Measure the same route, use the same turn and start definitions, and record surface and test conditions before comparing sessions.