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The Physical Characteristics of Elite Female Rugby Union Players

Author

Listed:
  • Logan Posthumus

    (Faculty of Health, Education and Environment, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand
    Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, The University of Waikato, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
    New Zealand Rugby, Wellington 6011, New Zealand)

  • Campbell Macgregor

    (Faculty of Health, Education and Environment, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand
    School of Applied and Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton 4701, Australia)

  • Paul Winwood

    (Faculty of Health, Education and Environment, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand
    School of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0627, New Zealand)

  • Jamie Tout

    (New Zealand Rugby, Wellington 6011, New Zealand)

  • Lillian Morton

    (New Zealand Rugby, Wellington 6011, New Zealand)

  • Matthew Driller

    (School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia)

  • Nicholas Gill

    (Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, The University of Waikato, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
    New Zealand Rugby, Wellington 6011, New Zealand)

Abstract

This study explored the anthropometric and body composition characteristics of elite female rugby union players, comparing between and within different playing positions. Thirty elite female rugby union players (25.6 ± 4.3 y, 171.3 ± 7.7 cm, 83.5 ± 13.9 kg) from New Zealand participated in this study. Physical characteristics were assessed using anthropometric (height, body mass, skinfolds) and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) measures. Forwards were significantly taller ( p < 0.01; d = 1.34), heavier ( p < 0.01; d = 2.19), and possessed greater skinfolds ( p < 0.01; d = 1.02) than backs. Forwards also possessed significantly greater total ( p < 0.01; d = 1.83–2.25) and regional ( p < 0.01; d = 1.50–2.50) body composition measures compared to backs. Healthy bone mineral density values were observed in both forwards and backs, with significantly greater values observed at the arm ( p < 0.01; d = 0.92) and femoral neck ( p = 0.04; d = 0.77) sites for forwards. Tight-five players were significantly heavier ( p = 0.02; d = 1.41) and possessed significantly greater skinfolds ( p < 0.01; d = 0.97) than loose-forwards. Tight-five also possessed significantly greater total body composition measures ( p < 0.05; d = 0.97–1.77) and significantly greater trunk lean mass ( p = 0.04; d = 1.14), trunk fat mass ( p < 0.01; d = 1.84), and arm fat mass ( p = 0.02; d = 1.35) compared to loose-forwards. Specific programming and monitoring for forwards and backs, particularly within forward positional groups, appear important due to such physical characteristic differences.

Suggested Citation

  • Logan Posthumus & Campbell Macgregor & Paul Winwood & Jamie Tout & Lillian Morton & Matthew Driller & Nicholas Gill, 2020. "The Physical Characteristics of Elite Female Rugby Union Players," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-10, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:18:p:6457-:d:409126
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    Cited by:

    1. Luis Vaz & Wilbur Kraak & Marco Batista & Samuel Honório & Hélder Miguel Fernandes, 2021. "Using Anthropometric Data and Physical Fitness Scores to Predict Selection in a National U19 Rugby Union Team," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-8, February.

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