Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2007 Dec;32(6):1052-7.

Click here to read Links Effect of in-season creatine supplementation on body composition and performance in rugby union football players. Chilibeck PD, Magnus C, Anderson M. College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, 87 Campus Dr., Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B2, Canada. phil.chilibeck@usask.ca Rugby union football requires muscular strength and endurance, as well as aerobic endurance. Creatine supplementation may enhance muscular performance, but it is unclear if it would interfere with aerobic endurance during running because of increased body mass. The purpose of this study was to determine if creatine supplementation during 8 weeks of a season of rugby union football can increase muscular performance, without negatively affecting aerobic endurance. Rugby union football players were randomized to receive 0.1 g.kg(-1).d(-1) creatine monohydrate (n=9) or placebo (n=9) during 8 weeks of the rugby season. Players practiced twice per week for approximately 2 h per session and played one 80 min game per week. Before and after the 8 weeks, players were measured for body composition (air displacement plethysmography), muscular endurance (number of repetitions at 75% of one repetition maximum (1 RM) for bench press and leg press), and aerobic endurance (Leger shuttle-run test with 1 min stages of progressively increasing speed). There were time main effects for body mass (-0.7+/-0.4 kg; p=0.05), fat mass (1.9+/-0.8 kg; p<0.05), and a trend for an increase in lean tissue mass (+1.2+/-0.5 kg; p=0.07), with no differences between groups. The group receiving creatine supplementation had a greater increase in the number of repetitions for combined bench press and leg press tests compared with the placebo group (+5.8+/-1.4 vs. +0.9+/-2.0 repetitions; p<0.05). There were no changes in either group for aerobic endurance. Creatine supplementation during a rugby union football season is effective for increasing muscular endurance, but has no effect on body composition or aerobic endurance. 1: J Sports Sci. 2005 Sep;23(9):961-76.Click here to read Links Science of rugby league football: a review. Gabbett TJ. Queensland Academy of Sport, PO Box 956, Sunnybank, Queensland 4109, Australia. tim.gabbett@qld.gov.au The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the science of rugby league football at all levels of competition (i.e. junior, amateur, semi-professional, professional), with special reference to all discipline-specific scientific research performed in rugby league (i.e. physiological, psychological, injury epidemiology, strength and conditioning, performance analysis). Rugby league football is played at junior and senior levels in several countries worldwide. A rugby league team consists of 13 players (6 forwards and 7 backs). The game is played over two 30 - 40 min halves (depending on the standard of competition) separated by a 10 min rest interval. Several studies have documented the physiological capacities and injury rates of rugby league players. More recently, studies have investigated the physiological demands of competition. Interestingly, the physiological capacities of players, the incidence of injury and the physiological demands of competition all increase as the playing standard is increased. Mean blood lactate concentrations of 5.2, 7.2 and 9.1 mmol . l(-1) have been reported during competition for amateur, semi-professional and professional rugby league players respectively. Mean heart rates of 152 beats . min(-1) (78% of maximal heart rate), 166 beats . min(-1) (84% of maximal heart rate) and

172 beats . min(-1) (93% of maximal heart rate) have been recorded for amateur, semi-professional and junior elite rugby league players respectively. Skill-based conditioning games have been used to develop the skill and fitness of rugby league players, with mean heart rate and blood lactate responses during these activities almost identical to those obtained during competition. In addition, recent studies have shown that most training injuries are sustained in traditional conditioning activities that involve no skill component (i.e. running without the ball), whereas the incidence of injuries while participating in skill-based conditioning games is low. Collaborative research among the various sport science disciplines is required to identify strategies to reduce the incidence of injury and enhance the performance of rugby league players. An understanding of the movement patterns and physiological demands of different positions at all standards of competition would allow the development of strength and conditioning programmes to meet the precise requirements of these positions. Finally, studies investigating the impact of improvements in physiological capacities (including the effect of different strength and conditioning programmes) on rugby league playing performance are warranted. : J Strength Cond Res. 2007 Aug;21(3):875-81.Links Physiological and anthropometric characteristics of elite women rugby league players. Gabbett TJ. Athlete and Coach Support Services, Queensland Academy of Sport, Queensland, Australia. tim.gabbett@srq.qld.gov.au This study investigated the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of elite women rugby league players and developed physical performance standards for these athletes. Thirty-two elite women rugby league players underwent measurements of standard anthropometry (body mass, height, sum of 7 skinfolds), muscular power (vertical jump), speed (10-, 20-, and 40-m sprint), agility (505 test), glycolytic capacity (glycolytic agility test), and estimated maximal aerobic power (multistage fitness test). The skinfold thickness, speed, agility, vertical jump height, glycolytic capacity, and estimated maximal aerobic power results were 6.0-38.1% poorer than previously reported for elite women team sport athletes (e.g., rugby union, soccer, and hockey). Although no significant differences (p > 0.05) were detected between selected and nonselected players for any of the physiological or anthropometric characteristics, significant differences (p < 0.05) were detected between forwards and backs for body mass, skinfold thickness, 10-, 20-, and 40-m speed, and estimated maximal aerobic power. When data were analyzed according to positional similarities, it was found that the hit-up forwards positional group were heavier, had greater skinfold thickness, and had lower 10-, 20-, and 40-m speed, muscular power, glycolytic capacity, and estimated maximal aerobic power than the adjustables and outside backs positional groups. The results of this study show that elite women rugby league players have slower speed and agility, lower muscular power, glycolytic capacity, and estimated maximal aerobic power, and greater body mass and skinfold thickness than previously reported for other elite women team sport athletes. These findings show the need to develop all physiological parameters to allow elite women rugby league players to more effectively tolerate the physiological demands of competition, reduce fatiguerelated errors in skill execution, and decrease the risk of injury.

: J Strength Cond Res. 2007 Nov;21(4):1126-33.Links Relationship between physical fitness and playing ability in rugby league players. Gabbett T, Kelly J, Pezet T. Athlete and Coach Support Services, Queensland Academy of Sport, Brisbane, Australia. tim.gabbett@srq.qld.gov.au This study investigated the physiological, anthropometric, and skill characteristics of rugby league players and determined the relationship between physical fitness and playing ability in these athletes. Eighty-six rugby league players (mean +/- SD age, 22.5 +/- 4.9 years) underwent measurements of standard anthropometry (height, body mass, and sum of 4 skinfolds), muscular power (vertical jump), speed (10-, 20-, and 40-m sprint), agility (L run), and estimated maximal aerobic power (multistage fitness test). In addition, 2 expert coaches independently assessed the playing ability of players using standardized skill criteria. First-grade players had significantly greater (p < 0.05) basic passing and ball-carrying ability and superior skills under fatigue, tackling and defensive skills, and evasion skills (i.e., ability to beat a player and 2 verse 1 skills) than second-grade and third-grade players. While no significant (p > 0.05) differences were detected among playing levels for body mass; skinfold thickness; height; 10-, 20-, or 40-m speed; agility; vertical jump height; or estimated maximal aerobic power, all the physiological and anthropometric characteristics were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with at least 1 measure of playing ability. The results of this study demonstrate that selected skill characteristics but not physiological or anthropometric characteristics discriminate between successful and less successful rugby league players. However, all physiological and anthropometric characteristics were related to playing ability. These findings suggest that while physiological and anthropometric characteristics do not discriminate between successful and less successful rugby league players, a high level of physical fitness contributes to effective playing ability in these athletes. A game-specific training program that incorporates both physical conditioning and skills training may facilitate a greater transfer of physical fitness to competitive performances in rugby league. : Sports Med. 2003;33(13):973-91. Links

Applied physiology and game analysis of rugby union.

Duthie G, Pyne D, Hooper S. Department of Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, Belconnen, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. grant.duthie@ausport.gov.au 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. Sports Med. 2008;38(2):119-38. Links

Applied physiology of rugby league.

Gabbett T, King T, Jenkins D. Brisbane Broncos Rugby League Club, Red Hill, Queensland, Australia. timg@broncos.com.au Rugby league football is played in several countries worldwide. A rugby league team consists of 13 players (6 forwards and 7 backs), with matches played over two 40-minute halves separated by a 10-minute rest interval. Several studies have documented the physiological capacities of rugby league players and the physiological demands of competition, with the physiological capacities of players and the physiological demands of competition increasing as the playing level is increased. However, there is also evidence to suggest that the physiological capacities of players may deteriorate as the season progresses, with reductions in muscular power and maximal aerobic power and increases in skinfold thickness occurring towards the end of the rugby league season, when training loads are lowest and match loads and injury rates are at their highest. Player fatigue and playing intensity have been suggested to contribute to injuries in rugby league, with a recent study reporting a significant correlation (r=0.74) between match injury rates and playing intensity in semi-professional rugby league players. Studies have also reported a higher risk of injury in players with low 10-m and 40-m speed, while players with a low maximal aerobic power had a greater risk of sustaining a contact injury. Furthermore, players who completed <18 weeks of training prior to sustaining their initial injury were at greater risk of sustaining a subsequent injury. These findings provide some explanation for the high incidence of fatigue-related injuries in rugby league players and highlight the importance of speed and endurance training to reduce the incidence of injury in rugby league players. To date, most, but not all, studies have investigated the movement patterns and physiological demands of rugby league competition, with little emphasis on how training activities simulate the competition environment. An understanding of the movement patterns and physiological demands of specific individual positions during training and competition would allow the development of strength and conditioning programmes to meet the specific requirements of these positions. In addition, further research is required to provide information on the repeated effort demands of rugby league. A test that assesses repeated effort performance

and employs distances, tackles and intensities specific to rugby league, while also simulating work-to-rest ratios similar to rugby league competition, is warranted. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2002;36:334-339; doi:10.1136/bjsm.36.5.334 Copyright 2002 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd & British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine Br J Sports Med 2002;36:334-339 2002 British Journal of Sports Medicine

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Physiological characteristics of junior and senior rugby league players
T J Gabbett Correspondence to: Correspondence to: Dr Gabbett, Sports Performance Unit, Tasmanian Institute of Sport, PO Box 93, Prospect, Tasmania 7250, Australia; Tim.Gabbett@tis.tas.gov.au Accepted 10 April 2002

TOP ABSTRACT METHODS RESULTS DISCUSSION REFERENCES

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To investigate the physiological characteristics of subelite junior and senior rugby league players and establish performance standards for these athletes. Methods: A total of 159 junior (under 16, 15, 14, and 13, n = 88) and senior (first grade, second grade, and under 19, n = 71) rugby league players (forwards, n = 80, backs, n = 79), competing at a subelite level, underwent measurements of body mass, muscular power (vertical jump), speed (10 m, 20 m, and 40 m sprint), agility (Illinois agility run), and estimated maximal aerobic power (multistage fitness test). Data were also collected on match and training frequency and playing experience. Results: There was a significant effect (p<0.05) of age and playing level on playing experience, body mass, muscular power, speed, agility, and estimated maximal aerobic power, with the physiological capacities of players increasing as the playing level increased. Forwards were heavier than backs for all junior and senior teams. Forwards and backs had similar estimated maximal aerobic power, except for under 16 players, for whom significant (p<0.05) differences were detected

(mean (95% confidence intervals) 42.9 (40.1 to 45.7) v 49.5 (46.4 to 52.6) ml/kg/min for forwards and backs respectively). Scores for speed, muscular power, and agility were not significantly different between forwards and backs for any of the junior or senior teams. Conclusions: The results show that there is a progressive improvement in the physiological capacities of rugby league players as the playing level increases. These findings provide normative data and performance standards for subelite junior and senior rugby league players. Further studies on the sociological, physical, psychological, and personal predictors of talent in rugby league are warranted. J Sports Sci. 2006 Dec;24(12):1273-80. Links

A comparison of physiological and anthropometric characteristics among playing positions in sub-elite rugby league players.
Gabbett TJ. Athlete and Coach Support Services, Queensland Academy of Sport, Sunnybank, QLD, Australia. tim.gabbett@qld.gov.au This study compared the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of specific playing positions and positional playing groups in sub-elite rugby league players. Altogether, 415 sub-elite rugby league players underwent measurements of standard anthropometry (body mass, height, sum of four skinfolds), muscular power (vertical jump), speed (10-m, 20-m, and 40-m sprint), agility ("L" run), and estimated maximal aerobic power (multi-stage fitness test). Props were significantly heavier and had a greater skinfold thickness than all other playing positions. Centres, fullbacks, and hookers were faster than props over 40 m. When the data were analysed according to positional commonality, props were taller, heavier, had a greater skinfold thickness, were less agile, and were slower over 10 m than all other positional groups. The hookers/halves and outside backs positional groups were significantly faster over 40 m than the backrowers and props positional groups. In addition, the hookers/halves and outside backs positional groups had significantly greater estimated maximal aerobic power than the props positional group. The results of this study demonstrate that few physiological and anthropometric differences exist among individual playing positions in sub-elite rugby league players, although props are taller, heavier, have greater skinfold thickness, slower 10-m and 40-m speed, less agility, and lower estimated maximal aerobic power than other positional groups. These findings provide normative data for sub-elite rugby league players competing in specific individual positions and positional playing groups.