Table 1 The mean (SD) change in creatine kinase concentration (Δ[CK]) and game statistics for 23 elite rugby union players during rugby union games (n = 5, mean games per player = 3.4)
Forwards (n = 12)Backs (n = 11)
Δ[CK] (IU)1439.5 (676.9)*545.4 (340.6)
Game time (min)70.2 (18.2)63.9 (25.1)
Time defending (min)31.0 (10.3)28.5 (13.2)
Tackles made13.6 (7.5)*6.5 (4.7)
Hit ups3.2 (2.4)*0.7 (0.9)
First three (attack)20.8 (9.3)*5.0 (4.2)
First three (defence)5.9 (5.6)*1.2 (1.2)
Impact (I)43.6 (18.3)*13.5 (7.4)
Collisions per min (I/min)0.6 (0.2)*0.2 (0.1)
Scrum number12.0 (4.4)–
Scrum total147.4 (89.8)–

  • *Significantly greater than backs (p<0.01).

  • First three (attack), first three players to ruck/maul on attack; First three (defence), first three players to ruck/maul on defence.