Background: To describe anthropometric and match performance profiles of international Rugby Sevens players and explore correlations between anthropometric characteristics and work-rates in matches.
Methods: Profiles were compared by means of multivariate analysis and correlation techniques.
Settings: measurements were made on players participating in the 1996 International Rugby Sevens tournament in Uruguay.
Subjects: Thirty male players.
Measures: work-rate analysis during matches (n = 30) and a comprehensive anthropometry profile of 27 of the 30 players.
Results: Forwards had more mass (whole-body, adipose tissue, muscle) than backs, jogged more frequently and paused more often. High intensity activity was negatively correlated with muscle mass and with mesomorphy.
Conclusions: Anthropometric features are related to components of match play in Rugby Sevens but do not necessarily determine whether a game is won or lost.