RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 How they won Rugby World Cup through height, mass and collective experience
JF British Journal of Sports Medicine
JO Br J Sports Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine
SP 580
OP 584
DO 10.1136/bjsports-2011-090506
VO 46
IS 8
A1 Adrien Sedeaud
A1 Andy Marc
A1 Julien Schipman
A1 Muriel Tafflet
A1 Jean-Philippe Hager
A1 Jean-François Toussaint
YR 2012
UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/46/8/580.abstract
AB Objectives To investigate the evolution of anthropometric characteristics in World Cup rugby players and identify elements associated with performance. Design Age, weight and height were collected for 2692 World Cup rugby players as well as rankings in each World Cup, and collective experience of winners, finalists, semifinalists and quarter finalists in comparison to the rest of the competitors. Anthropometric parameters were compared according to age and position (back and forwards). Results From 1987 to 2007, forwards and backs have become heavier by 6.63 and 6.68 kg and taller by 0.61 and 1.09 cm, respectively. The collective experience of the forwards' pack is a value increasing with the final ranking attained, as well as the weight of forwards and the height of backs. Conclusions For all Rugby World Cups, the highest performing teams have the tallest backs and heaviest forwards with the highest percentage of collective experience.