Differences in the Movement Skills and Physical Qualities of Elite Senior and Academy Rugby League Players

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate (a) the differences in the movement skills and physical qualities between academy and senior rugby league players, and (b) the relationships between movement skills and physical qualities. Fifty-five male rugby league players (Senior, n=18; Under 19 n=23; Under 16, n=14) undertook a physical testing battery including anthropometric (stature & body mass), strength (isometric mid-thigh pull; IMTP) and power (countermovement jump; CMJ) qualities, alongside the athletic ability assessment (AAA; comprised of overhead squat, double lunge, single-leg Romanian deadlift, press-up and pull-up exercises). Univariate analysis of variance demonstrated significant (p<0.001) differences in body mass, IMTP peak force, CMJ mean power, and AAA movement skills between groups. The greatest observed differences for total movement skills, peak force and mean power were identified between Under 16 and 19 academy age groups. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients demonstrated a significant moderate (r=0.31) relationship between peak force and total movement skill. Furthermore, trivial (r=0.01) and small (r=0.13; r=0.22) relationships were observed between power qualities and total movement skill. These findings highlight that both movement skills and physical qualities differentiate between academy age groups, and provides comparative data for English senior and academy rugby league players.

Physical, Anthropometric, and Athletic Movement Qualities Discriminate Development Level in a Rugby League Talent Pathway

“…In contrast to the current study, a previous study of the English rugby league system, did find significant differences between junior groups (under 16 (U16) and under 19 (U19)) (12). Ireton et al (12), stated that the U19 group demonstrated superior athletic movement ability for push ups, single leg RDL and double lunge right compared to the U16 group (12). However, the only significant differences between groups were that the senior group performed right side lunge and right side RDL, better compared to U19 group (12).…”

“…This may be due to SL players having both greater playing experience and exposure to athletic movement, strength programs and screenings by appropriately qualified professionals for longer periods wherein any weaknesses may have been addressed. In contrast to the current study, a previous study of the English rugby league system, did find significant differences between junior groups (under 16 (U16) and under 19 (U19)) (12). Ireton et al (12), stated that the U19 group demonstrated superior athletic movement ability for push ups, single leg RDL and double lunge right compared to the U16 group (12).…”

“…Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the physical, anthropometric and athletic movement qualities of talent identified RL players in an Australian development pathway. Given the work of others (12,21), it was hypothesized that the SL athletes would possess superior athletic movement skills and lower body power characteristics relative to their U18 and U20 counterparts.…”

“…All participants undertook a test battery that consisted of physical, anthropometric and athletic movement skill assessments. The test battery construction was in accordance with prior research in RL (8,12).…”

“…Others have identified differences in physiological characteristics between junior elite and sub-elite players with the elite group faster, more agile, and possessing superior lower limb power and maximal aerobic capacity compared to the sub-elite junior players (9). Additionally, Ireton et al (12) compared the athletic movement skill and physical performance of elite senior and junior (academy representatives) English RL players. Their…”