Physical and performance indicators between backs and forwards in a subelite Rugby Union Team

Abstract

Backs and forwards have different physical and performance demands in Rugby Union, which are well documented in elite teams. However, in subelite teams, this comparison is scarce. The aim of study was to compare physical and performance indicators during matches in backs and forwards from a subelite Rugby Union Team. Twenty-five professional rugby athletes (backs, N.=12; forwards, N.=13) from a subelite team were evaluated for: 1) body mass and height; 2) sprinting speed of 10 meters; 3) sprint momentum; 4) 1RM of bench press, chin-up and squat exercises; and 5) yo-yo fitness test. Performance indicators during matches (number of passes, carries, tackles, attacking rucks and ball possessions) were evaluated. A Student's t-test was used to compare variable between positions. We found that forwards are taller (P=0.01), heavier (P<0.001), have stronger upper limbs (P=0.02), perform more tackles (P<0.001) and participate in more attacking rucks (P<0.001), while backs are faster (P=0.005), have higher sprint momentum (P<0.001), aerobic power (P=0.01) and have more ball possessions (P=0.02). This study demonstrated that backs and forwards from a subelite national team have different physical characteristics and perform different actions during the matches.