<p class="first" id="d8058504e63">Increased professionalism in rugby has elicited
rapid changes in the fitness profile
of elite players. Recent research, focusing on the physiological and anthropometrical
characteristics of rugby players, and the demands of competition are reviewed. The
paucity of research on contemporary elite rugby players is highlighted, along with
the need for standardised testing protocols. Recent data reinforce the pronounced
differences in the anthropometric and physical characteristics of the forwards and
backs. Forwards are typically heavier, taller, and have a greater proportion of body
fat than backs. These characteristics are changing, with forwards developing greater
total mass and higher muscularity. The forwards demonstrate superior absolute aerobic
and anaerobic power, and muscular strength. Results favour the backs when body mass
is taken into account. The scaling of results to body mass can be problematic and
future investigations should present results using power function ratios. Recommended
tests for elite players include body mass and skinfolds, vertical jump, speed, and
the multi-stage shuttle run. Repeat sprint testing is a possible avenue for more specific
evaluation of players. During competition, high-intensity efforts are often followed
by periods of incomplete recovery. The total work over the duration of a game is lower
in the backs compared with the forwards; forwards spend greater time in physical contact
with the opposition while the backs spend more time in free running, allowing them
to cover greater distances. The intense efforts undertaken by rugby players place
considerable stress on anaerobic energy sources, while the aerobic system provides
energy during repeated efforts and for recovery. Training should focus on repeated
brief high-intensity efforts with short rest intervals to condition players to the
demands of the game. Training for the forwards should emphasise the higher work rates
of the game, while extended rest periods can be provided to the backs. Players should
not only be prepared for the demands of competition, but also the stress of travel
and extreme environmental conditions. The greater professionalism of rugby union has
increased scientific research in the sport; however, there is scope for significant
refinement of investigations on the physiological demands of the game, and sports-specific
testing procedures.
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