Differences and changes in the physical characteristics of professional and amateur rugby union players Research Completed
Title
Differences and changes in the physical characteristics of professional and amateur rugby union players
Lead Author
D J Smart , Will Hopkins, N D Gill
Organisation(s)
Auckland University of Technology
Publication Year
2013
Publisher
National Strength and Conditioning Association
Contacts
Will Hopkins
email: will.hopkins@aut.ac.nz
Abstract
Numerous studies have highlighted differences between playing levels and positions in rugby union; however few studies have investigated longitudinal progressions of body composition and physical performance. Between-player differences and within-player changes in body composition, strength, power, speed, and repeated sprint ability, from 1161 New Zealand rugby union players from 2004-2007, were estimated using a mixed modelling procedure. Props had the highest mass, percent body fat, strength and slowest speed times compared to the other positions, while outside backs had the fastest speed time and lowest percent body fat. For most measures there were small to moderate differences (range 1.1% – 14%) between players selected and not selected for provincial teams, and small to large differences (range 1.8% – 15%) between provincial and Super Rugby (professional) players. The faster 20-m sprint times in international compared to Super Rugby players was small in magnitude for both the forwards (1.9%) and backs (2.2%). The average annual improvements were small to moderate for strength (range 2.1% – 15%) and small for repeated sprint ability within the lower playing levels (∼1.5%). Small increases occurred in lower body strength (∼7.0%) as players moved from Super Rugby to provincial competition. Small decreases in sprint time (∼1.6%) and small increases in strength (∼6.3%) occurred as players moved from Super Rugby to mid-year international competition. The differences between levels in performance provide level-specific characteristics from Super Rugby and below, but international players may be selected due to greater skill and experience. Changes in physical performance between competitions may be a result of reduced training loads due to regular high-intensity matches and greater travel involved in the Super Rugby competition.
Keywords:
Rugby union; Body composition; Performance
How to access
Areas of Focus
Population Groups
Settings (location)
Provision (delivery type & infrastructure)
Topics
Sport and Recreation Types
Views
1375
Added
August 19, 2013