The importance of physical proximity for team cohesion – a case study of USA Rugby 7s

Research Question: This paper seeks to contribute to the theoretical understanding of team cohesion in sport. While a robust foundation of research on team cohesion in sport exists, there is a dearth of research examining the role of physical proximity. With physical group exercise temporarily suspended due to COVID-19, herein lies an opportunity to examine team cohesion throughout different stages of physical distancing. Research Methods: A single case mixed method study was employed comprised of semi-structured interviews (19 total) conducted at three different time points (September 2019;March 2020;June 2020) and a baseline/post administration of the GEQ Survey (September 2019 (N = 26);August 2020 (N = 27)). Qualitative data were analysed in NVivo 12, and survey data were analysed via paired t-tests. Results and Findings: Levels of team cohesion remained stable throughout the season and during physical distancing on all three cohesion sub-scales (i.e. ATG-T, GI-S, GI-T). Three qualitative themes emerged: task and collective loyalty, resilience through social cohesion, and digital engagement. Implications: Digital communication can temporarily fill the void of face-to-face interaction but cannot replace it long-term to build team cohesion. Adding physical proximity to the theoretical conceptualization of team cohesion makes the model more contemporary and especially relevant during times of physical distancing (e.g. pandemic, off-season, remote teams). © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.