Physical characteristics explain ball-carrying capability in sub-elite rugby union players.

Hart, Alexander S.; Erskine, Robert M.; Mclaughlin, Tom J.; Clark, David R.

Abstract

The aims of the present study were two-fold: (i) to investigate the relationship between physical characteristics and the game statistics associated with ball-carrying capability amongst sub-elite rugby union players; and (ii) to predict the level of change in these physical characteristics required to improve the associated game statistic via regression analysis. Thirty-eight senior professional players (forwards, n = 22; backs, n = 16) were assessed for body mass (BM), back squat (BS) single-repetition maximum (1RM) normalised to BM (1RM/BM), 10 m sprint velocity (S10), 10 m sprint momentum (SM10), and the game statistics from 22 games within the 2019/20 RFU Championship season. The relationship between these measures and the predicted level of change in a physical measure required to improve the total number of the associated game statistic by one were assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficient and simple regression analyses. In forwards, an ~ 11.5% reduction in BM, an ~ 11.8% improvement in BS 1RM/BM, or an ~ 11.5% increase in S10 was required to improve the game statistics associated with ball-carrying capability. In backs, a ~ 19.3% increase in BM or a ~ 15.6% improvement in SM10 was required. These findings demonstrate that improvements in lower-body relative strength, acceleration performance, and position-specific alterations in body mass are required to maximise the ball-carrying capability and therefore match outcome of sub-elite rugby union players.

Citation

HART, A.S., ERSKINE, R.M., MCLAUGHLIN, T.J. and CLARK, D.R. 2023. Physical characteristics explain ball-carrying capability in sub-elite rugby union players. Journal of science in sport and exercise [online], 5(3), pages 244-253. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42978-022-00178-w

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 13, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Sep 12, 2022
• Publication Date: Aug 31, 2023
• Deposit Date: Nov 9, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 9, 2023
• Journal: Journal of science in sport and exercise
• Print ISSN: 2096-6709
• Electronic ISSN: 2662-1371
• Publisher: Springer
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 5
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 244-253
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42978-022-00178-w
• Keywords: Rugby players; Sport fitness; Sport capability; Rugby union; Athleticism; Physique
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2054652