Physiological and Motor Performance Characteristics in Rugby and Soccer Players: Data from a Developing Country

Abstract

This study comparatively presents the physiological, anthropometric, and motor performance characteristics of rugby and football athletes in a developing country. 49 university soccer [(US: N=24, mean age = 22.54±2.24), university rugby (UR: N=25, mean age =21.84±1.81)] and 23 national rugby (NR) (mean age = 26.0±3.33) were recruited. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), hip circumference (HC), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure, heart rate, maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2 max), 5-Jump Test (speed), agility, core muscle strength and stability (CMS), muscular endurance (ME), and sit and reach (SRT) were measured. NR significantly had higher age, weight, BMI, WtHR, HC, WC, WHR, SBP, VO 2 max, 5JT/ BM and ME (P < 0.05) compared to others. National and university rugby athletes had better anthropometric and physiological attributes with similar agility performance. To develop rugby in developing country, university soccer athletes could suggest good material, given needed tactical trainings and competitions, for national rugby team athletes.