Short and long-term differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical performance between male rugby players that became professional or remained amateur

Michael J Hamlin,Richard W Deuchrass,Catherine E Elliot,Nuttaset Manimmanakorn

doi:10.1016/j.jesf.2021.01.002

Abstract

Background/ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate which anthropometric and physical performance variables characterised players that advanced to professional teams (professionals) and how these variables changed over time, compared to those that did not secure professional contracts (i.e. remained amateurs). MethodsDifferences in anthropometry, strength, speed, power and intermittent running ability in 83 male rugby players collected between 2015 and 2019 were determined using repeated measures analysis. ResultsWhen arriving for the first year of the program, forwards that went on to become professional players were older (0.4 ± 0.3 yr, mean ± 95% CI, p = 0.004), heavier (4.6 ± 2.5 kg, p < 0.001) and stronger (range 6.2–16.4%) than forwards that remained amateur. Professional forwards were also slower at sprinting (range −2.7–2.9%, p < 0.001) and had lower Yo-Yo IRT L1 (−10.8%, p = 0.03). When first arrived on the program, professional backs were taller (3.5 ± 1.8 cm, p < 0.001), heavier (4.6 ± 2.4 kg, p < 0.001) and faster over 20 m (−1.9 ± 1.7%, p = 0.03) and 30 m (−1.7 ± 1.6%, p = 0.04) compared to amateurs. Compared to amateurs, professionals had a smaller increase in body mass (−4.2 ± 2.0%, p < 0.001) and greater improvement in sprinting (3.7, 2.8, 2.8% over 10, 20 and 30-m, respectively) and Yo-Yo IRT L1 (14.7 ± 11.0%, p = 0.05) over 3 years training. ConclusionCharacteristics that are likely to assist players in becoming professionals include being older, heavier, taller and stronger.

Highlights

Rugby union is a field-based team sport that requires players to endure a large number of high-impact collisions along with numerous maximal sprints, high speed running and other static require a relatively lower body mass, but high levels of power and speed.[2,6]The aim of any training programme is to efficiently and effectively improve player’s performance in a sports-specific manner without incurring illness or injury
Identifying anthropometrical and physical performance characteristics that can distinguish between players of different abilities in different positions are important for the best training regimens, performance outputs, for recruitment, and for player development.[7,8]
A number of studies have shown that players with superior speed, strength, aerobic endurance and repeated sprint ability have better chances of being selected onto a professional team.9e11 in rugby league, Till and colleagues, in a number of retrospective studies on junior rugby league players, found significant differences in anthropometric and performance variables in 13e15 year olds that subsequently went on to gain professional contracts, compared to others that remained amateur.12e14

Summary

Introduction

Rugby union is a field-based team sport that requires players to endure a large number of high-impact collisions along with numerous maximal sprints, high speed running and other static require a relatively lower body mass, but high levels of power and speed.[2,6]The aim of any training programme is to efficiently and effectively improve player’s performance in a sports-specific manner without incurring illness or injury. Identifying anthropometrical and physical performance characteristics that can distinguish between players of different abilities in different positions are important for the best training regimens, performance outputs, for recruitment, and for player development.[7,8] For example, a number of studies have shown that players with superior speed, strength, aerobic endurance and repeated sprint ability have better chances of being selected onto a professional team.9e11 in rugby league, Till and colleagues, in a number of retrospective studies on junior rugby league players, found significant differences in anthropometric and performance variables in 13e15 year olds that subsequently went on to gain professional contracts, compared to others that remained amateur.12e14

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion