Anthropometric Profiles and Physical Characteristics in Competitive Female English Premiership Rugby Union Players.

Abstract

To identify anthropometric and physical characteristics of competitive female RU players and differences between playing positions. Twenty-two players were recruited from the top tier of female RU in the United Kingdom during the 2018-2019 Premiership season. Players were split into forwards and backs and underwent body composition testing via dual-X-ray absorptiometry and physical characteristic tests (10- and 20-m speed, 1-repetition-maximum bench press and squat, countermovement jump, drop jump, isometric midthigh pull, and 1200-m shuttle). Moderate to large significant differences between playing positions in both anthropometric and physical characteristics were found (P < .01). Forwards displayed greater body mass (P = .03), fat mass (P = .01), and absolute upper-body strength (P = .03), whereas backs demonstrated superior countermovement jump height (P = .01), drop jump height (P = .01), greater reactive strength (P = .03), and speed (P = .03). These findings provide practitioners with a greater understanding of anthropometric and physical characteristics of professional female RU players.