Physical fitness of elite women's rugby union players over a ...

Analysis of work-to-rest periods in U-19 Australia male rugby players showed that forwards
(1:1.4) maintained a higher work-to-rest ratio than backs (1:2.7) with the loose forwards
(1:1.2) working more continuously than inside backs (1:3.6 ) (Deutsch et al., 1998). Similarly,
McLean (1992) reported that most work-to-rest ratios during international match-play were in
the range of 1:1 to 1:9 for backs and forwards combined which is the same with U-19
Australian players when positions are combined. These are considerably higher than the
estimated mean work-to-rest ratios of 1:7.4 and 1:21.8 reported for New Zealand Super 12
forwards and backs respectively (Deutsch et al., 2007). The prolonged rest periods at the
senior elite level of rugby union reflects the increase number of stoppages due to injuries, goal
kicking and stringent refereeing. This in contrast, to the junior level, in which rest periods are
short and work rates are higher (Deutsch et al., 1998), which suggests a less structured,
continuous style of rugby in U-19 level compared to senior level.
2.3.3 Distance Covered and Velocity
Estimation on the distance covered during the course of a match indicates that backs cover
more distance than forwards (Deutsch et al., 1998; Roberts et al., 2008). The total distance
covered by both forwards (5581m) and backs (6127m) during a 80 minute rugby match at the
elite level (Roberts et al., 2008) is in line with U19 age group level of forwards (4240m) and
backs (5640m) during a 70 min match (Deutsch et al., 1998). The difference in total distance
traveled by backs and forwards is attributed to a greater walking distance by backs (2351 vs.
1928 m) and as result of high intensity running (448 vs. 298m) (Roberts et al., 2008).
Sprinting data show that outside backs (280 ± 185 m) sprint significantly greater total
distances than inside backs (124 ± 78 m), tight forwards (144 ± 189 m ) and loose forwards
21