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Longitudinal changes in anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of International female rugby union players were evaluated across 5-seasons, according to field position. Sixty-eight international female rugby union players from a top 2 ranked international team, undertook anthropometric and physical performance measurements across five seasons. Anthropometric and physical performance changes occurred, with skinfolds decreasing between 2015 and 2017 and body mass increasing between 2017 and 2019. Single-leg isometric squat (SL ISO), 0-10 m momentum (0-10Mom) and 20-30 m momentum (20-30Mom) were higher in 2018 and 2019 than all years. Front-row players were characterised by greater SL ISO and 1-RM bench press than inside and outside backs, with higher skinfolds and lower endurance levels than all positions. Between 2017 and 2019, front-row players had larger decreases and increases in endurance and one repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press respectively, compared to all other positions. Forwards had the highest 0-10Mom and 20-30Mom, and scrum-half the lowest, while outside backs had faster 0-10, 30-40, and 40 m (TT40 m) times, and greater peak velocity (Vmax) compared to forward positions. These longitudinal findings show that physical performance has increased, with anthropometric and performance characteristics becoming more distinctive between positions, among elite female rugby union players.

This study investigated whether anthropometric and physical abilities explained variance in match collision performance among international female rugby union players. Physical performance and anthropometric data for fifty-one international female rugby union players, and collision actions categorised as "effort" or "performance" variables, from 20 international matches, were analysed using partial least squares regression. Among forwards, variance in carries/min was explained (R 2 = .22) by a combination of; body mass, skinfolds, acceleration momentum and negative associations with mean aerobic speed and single-leg isometric squat relative force (SLISO/ kgBM). Variance in collision dominance among forwards was explained (R 2 = .21) by lower skinfolds and higher acceleration momentum, while tackles/min (R 2 = .19) were explained by greater jumping power and single-leg isometric squat (SLISO). Among backs, variance in tackles/min (R 2 = .54) was explained by greater bench press, SLISO and SLISO/kgBM. Variance in collision dominance among backs was explained (R 2 = .23) by negative and positive associations with body mass and SLISO/kgBM, respectively. These findings suggest the development of physical characteristics, such as body mass and composition, strength and power contribute towards successful collision actions among international female rugby union players. The contribution of different physical characteristics towards collision events is dependent on position, and whether the collision event is categorised by "performance" or "effort". It is suggested that physical training programmes should reflect this level of specificity. Highlights. Among elite female rugby union forwards, acceleration momentum, body mass and skinfolds are positively associated with winning collisions and carrying the ball into contact more frequently, whilst tackle frequency is positively associated with relative leg strength and power output. . Among elite female backs, the ability to win collisions is positively associated with relative leg power output, and negatively associated with body mass. Tackle frequency is associated with maximum upper-and lower-body strength in this group. . Physical characteristics account for some of the variability in collision performance, but interpretation of these findings should consider that factors such as technique during collision events may account for a larger proportion of total variance. . Sports science practitioners can improve collision performance, to varying degrees, by enhancing specific gross physical characteristics, according to a player's position and the tactical role they are expected to fulfil.