Anthropometric and Physiological Characteristics of Elite Male Rugby Athletes

Brazier, J, Antrobus, M, Stebbings, GK, Day, SH, Callus, P, Erskine, RM, Bennett, MA, Kilduff, LP, and Williams, AG. Anthropometric and physiological characteristics of elite male rugby athletes. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1790-1801, 2020-This is the first article to review the anthropometric and physiological characteristics required for elite rugby performance within both rugby union (RU) and rugby league (RL). Anthropometric characteristics such as height and body mass, and physiological characteristics such as speed and muscular strength, have previously been advocated as key discriminators of playing level within rugby. This review aimed to identify the key anthropometric and physiological properties required for elite performance in rugby, distinguishing between RU and RL, forwards and backs and competitive levels. There are differences between competitive standards such that, at the elite level, athletes are heaviest (RU forwards similar to 111 kg, backs similar to 93 kg; RL forwards similar to 103 kg, backs similar to 90 kg) with lowest % body fat (RU forwards similar to 15%, backs similar to 12%; RL forwards similar to 14%, backs similar to 11%), they have most fat-free mass and are strongest (back squat: RU forwards similar to 176 kg, backs similar to 157 kg; RL forwards similar to 188 kg, backs similar to 168 kg; bench press: RU forwards similar to 131 kg, backs similar to 118 kg; RL forwards similar to 122 kg, backs similar to 113 kg) and fastest (10 m: RU forwards similar to 1.87 seconds, backs similar to 1.77 seconds; 10 m: RL forwards similar to 1.9 seconds, backs similar to 1.83 seconds). We also have unpublished data that indicate contemporary RU athletes have less body fat and are stronger and faster than the published data suggest. Regardless, well-developed speed, agility, lower-body power, and strength characteristics are vital for elite performance, probably reflect both environmental (training, diet, etc.) and genetic factors, distinguish between competitive levels, and are therefore important determinants of elite status in rugby.