The Bronco test measures aerobic endurance. It is mainly used for rugby. It has only been available in the northern hemisphere for a few years.

Equipment required :

• odometer
• studs

Test procedure (continuous) :

A stud is placed every 20 meters up to 60 meters. Participants must complete a 20-meter round trip, then a 40-meter round trip and finally a 60-meter round trip. This block must be completed 5 times without a break. This is a continuous effort test. Each participant will have covered a total of 1,200 meters. The test result is therefore based on the total time taken to cover these 1,200 meters. Some test results:

Beauden Barrett (New Zealand international rugby player) completed the test in 4 minutes and 10 seconds in 2020.
Jordie Barrett (brother of Beauden Barrette) took 4’24 to complete the test.
Baptise Couilloud (French scrum-half with LOU Rugby) did it in 4′ 29″

It is also possible to calculate maximum aerobic speed using this test. The calculation of the latter depends on the player’s weight, since it varies if the player weighs more or less than 100 kg. The calculation is as follows

if weight < 100 kg: VMA (m/s) = 1200 / (running time – 20.3)
if weight > 100 kg: VMA (m/s) = 1200 / (running time – 29)

Tip: to convert VMA into km/h, simply multiply by 3.6.

The test can also be performed intermittently. Participants must complete a block in 90 seconds. If it takes less time to complete the block, the remaining time is the recovery time between the two blocks. This test is a better representation of rugby effort, because it is intermittent. However, it puts those who take longer to complete a block at a distinct disadvantage. They will have less recovery time than others.

The Bronco test is programmable on the sportbeeper pro. Simply select the timer and program :

• interval time: 1 minute 30
• number of intervals: 5
• pause time: 0