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Using Anthropometric Data and Physical Fitness Scores to Predict Selection in a National U19 Rugby Union Team

Author

Listed:
  • Luis Vaz

    (Department of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
    Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal)

  • Wilbur Kraak

    (Department of Sport Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa)

  • Marco Batista

    (Department of Sports and Well-Being, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, SHERU (Sport, Health and Exercise Research Unit), 6000-084 Castelo Branco, Portugal)

  • Samuel Honório

    (Department of Sports and Well-Being, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, SHERU (Sport, Health and Exercise Research Unit), 6000-084 Castelo Branco, Portugal)

  • Hélder Miguel Fernandes

    (Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
    Research in Education and Community Intervention, RECI, 3500 Viseu, Portugal)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare measures of anthropometry characteristics and physical fitness performance between rugby union players (17.9 ± 0.5 years old) recruited (n = 39) and non-recruited (n = 145) to the Portuguese under-19 (U19) national team, controlling for their playing position (forwards or backs). Standardized anthropometric, physical, and performance assessment tests included players’ body mass and height, push up and pull-up test, squat test, sit-and-reach test, 20 m shuttle run test, flexed arm hang test, Sargent test, handgrip strength test, Illinois agility test, and 20-m and 50-m sprint test. Results showed that recruited forwards players had better agility scores ( p = 0.02, ES = −0.55) than the non-recruited forwards, whereas recruited backs players had higher right ( p < 0.01, ES = 0.84) and left ( p = 0.01, ES = 0.74) handgrip strength scores than their counterparts. Logistic regression showed that better agility (for the forwards) and right handgrip strength scores (for the backs) were the only variables significantly associated with an increased likelihood of being recruited to the national team. In sum, these findings suggest that certain well-developed physical qualities, namely, agility for the forwards players and upper-body strength for the back players, partially explain the selection of U19 rugby players to their national team.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:1499-:d:493748
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. 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.
    2. Garden Tabacchi & Guillermo F. Lopez Sanchez & Fatma Nese Sahin & Meltem Kizilyalli & Rosario Genchi & Michele Basile & Musa Kirkar & Carlos Silva & Nuno Loureiro & Eduardo Teixeira & Yolanda Demetrio, 2019. "Field-Based Tests for the Assessment of Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescents Practicing Sport: A Systematic Review within the ESA Program," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-21, December.
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