Fitness Characteristics of the Welsh Rugby Union's Schools and Colleges League Players

Purpose: The study aimed to establish physical fitness standards for the 16–18-year-old rugby union players who compete in the Welsh Rugby Union’s National Schools and Colleges (WSC) league. Methods: Testing was undertaken at the end of pre-season, by 261 male players (17.0±0.6 years; 85.9±14.7 kg; 179.3±6.3 cm) and included: 40 m sprint, countermovement jump, 10/5 repeated jump, isometric belt squat, isometric hip adductor and abductor strength, 30-15 intermittent fitness test, and eccentric knee flexor strength. Descriptive statistics are reported for the entire sample as well as position groups (forwards and backs) and individual positions. Differences to the sample mean were identified using analysis of means and quantified using Cohen's d effect size. Results: The prop, scrum half, outside half, center, and back three positions had the most notable deviations from the sample means, reflecting their specific roles. Comparisons were made to school and academy players of similar age and to senior professionals, to assess the physical status of the WSC players and determine the gap between competition levels. Except for the 30-15 intermittent fitness test, the WSC data was within previously reported ranges for schoolboy and academy players of similar age. The largest differences between WSC and senior professional players was in body mass and strength variables. Conclusion: This information could be used to support talent identification, player tracking, and for the development of national standards and benchmarks (see supplemental materials).