Anthropometric data for the sample population
| Mean (SD) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Playing position (number of players) | Age, years | Stature, cm | Body mass, kg |
| All backs (n=279) | 26.5 (3.5) | 182.6 (6.0) | 93.0 (8.9) |
| Halves (n=100) | 26.5 (3.5) | 179.2 (6.4) | 87.2 (7.8) |
| Inside backs (n=75) | 26.4 (3.8) | 184.6 (4.5) | 98.5 (6.6) |
| Outside backs (n=104) | 26.4 (3.3) | 184.3 (5.2) | 94.6 (8.2) |
| All forwards (n=360) | 28.2 (3.8) | 188.5 (7.1) | 112.6 (9.0) |
| Front row (n=162) | 28.6 (3.7) | 183.5 (4.4) | 114.7 (8.7) |
| Second row (n=80) | 27.8 (4.3) | 197.7 (4.3) | 115.9 (8.6) |
| Back row (n=118) | 27.9 (3.7) | 189.1 (4.6) | 107.5 (7.4) |
| All players (n=639) | 27.4 (3.8) | 185.9 (7.2) | 104.1 (13.2) |
| p Value* | <0.001 | <0.001 | <0.001 |
*All backs versus all forwards.