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

etween age groups (Durandt et al., 2006) and playing levels (Quarrie et al., 1995). If a test
cannot discriminate between higher and lower performers within a sport, its utility in detecting
training-induced changes is questionable (Gabbett, Kelly, & Sheppard, 2008). In addition,
these tests are limited as the change of direction relies on preplanned movements which are
not practical in a sport such as rugby. Furthermore, the aerobic and anaerobic test procedures
that will be described in the upcoming paragraphs both involve a component of agility as they
comprise several sharp turns within the tests.
While the majority of agility research has been devoted to preplanned change of direction
speed tests, a study reported that during a Super 12 game, 16% of all the sprints involved a
change of direction of which the forwards had 15% per game which is significantly greater
than backs (6 ± 3.2%) (Duthie et al., 2006b). In this investigation, the ability of rugby player
to respond to game specific stimulus has been demonstrated.
2.4.6 Muscle Strength and Power
Strength is defined as the ability to overcome or resist very high levels of force, especially
against large external resistances, such as the body weight of opposing players (Baker,
2001b). Power is defined as the ability to generate high levels of force quickly (strength x
speed or the speed at which strength can be manifested) (Baker, 2001b). Strength and power
have been reported as important physical qualities necessary for successful participation in
rugby union player, as is not only necessary to be strong to effectively tackle, push or pull
opponents or resisting high level of forces during scrums, rucks and mauls but also to generate
these high levels of strength with speed (Hrysomallis, 2010; Meir et al., 2001). Hence
muscular power and strength are regularly evaluated by strength and conditioning staff and are
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