Anthropometric, Sprint, and High-Intensity Running Profiles of English Academy Rugby Union Players by Position

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anthropometric, sprint, and high-intensity running profiles of English academy rugby union players by playing positions, and to investigate the relationships between anthropometric, sprint, and high-intensity running characteristics. Data were collected from 67 academy players after the off-season period and consisted of anthropometric (height, body mass, sum of 8 skinfolds [∑SF]), 40-m linear sprint (5-, 10-, 20-, and 40-m splits), the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IRTL-1), and the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15 IFT). Forwards displayed greater stature, body mass, and ∑SF; sprint times and sprint momentum, with lower high-intensity running ability and sprint velocities than backs. Comparisons between age categories demonstrated body mass and sprint momentum to have the largest differences at consecutive age categories for forwards and backs; whereas 20-40-m sprint velocity was discriminate for forwards between under 16s, 18s, and 21s. Relationships between anthropometric, sprint velocity, momentum, and high-intensity running ability demonstrated body mass to negatively impact on sprint velocity (10 m; r = -0.34 to -0.46) and positively affect sprint momentum (e.g., 5 m; r = 0.85-0.93), with large to very large negative relationships with the Yo-Yo IRTL-1 (r = -0.65 to -0.74) and 30-15 IFT (r = -0.59 to -0.79). These findings suggest that there are distinct anthropometric, sprint, and high-intensity running ability differences between and within positions in junior rugby union players. The development of sprint and high-intensity running ability may be impacted by continued increases in body mass as there seems to be a trade-off between momentum, velocity, and the ability to complete high-intensity running.

Applied Sport Science for Male Age-Grade Rugby Union in England

“…Findings show similar skinfolds across age categories [62] but higher skinfolds at U16 for forwards and U18 for backs [63]. Forwards have greater skinfolds compared to backs [63]. Findings are similar to studies [57,71] utilising dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry presenting body fat percentage values of 13-14% and 16-19% in backs and forwards, respectively.…”

“…Height and body mass have been shown to be important for RU [69]. Age-grade RU players' height and body mass are greater for older players [62] and are higher in forwards than backs [63]. The height and body mass of U21 English players [62] appear similar to those reported for South African U20 players [59] and greater than those reported in U19 Portuguese forwards and backs [58].…”

“…Previous research has presented the physical qualities of senior [53][54][55][56] and youth [53,[57][58][59] RU players across multiple ages, standards and positions. Specific to male age-grade RU players within England, ten studies [46,49,[60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67] have presented data across various physical qualities making comparisons between age, position and playing level. Tables 4 and 5 present the physical qualities for age-grade RU players from England and provide objective markers of physical development to support talent identification and development [68].…”

“…Body composition is important for performance as excessive body fat is detrimental to acceleration and the metabolic cost of exercise [6]. However, only two studies are available within English academy players [62,63] presenting data via the sum of eight skinfolds. Findings show similar skinfolds across age categories [62] but higher skinfolds at U16 for forwards and U18 for backs [63].…”

“…However, only two studies are available within English academy players [62,63] presenting data via the sum of eight skinfolds. Findings show similar skinfolds across age categories [62] but higher skinfolds at U16 for forwards and U18 for backs [63]. Forwards have greater skinfolds compared to backs [63].…”