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

deemed important components of physical fitness by players and coaching staff (Crewther,
Gill, Weatherby, & Lowe, 2009).
Testing of rugby players has greatly increased during the past decade, principally due to the
increased professionalism in the sport and the consequent determination to improve player
talent identification and performance level (Baker, 2001b). Numerous studies have examined
the upper body strength of male rugby union players at various competitive levels and age
groups (Du Plessis, 2007; Durandt et al., 2006; van Gent & Spamer, 2005; Crewther et al.,
2009), however there is presently limited published information on the leg strength levels of
elite rugby union players (Duthie et al., 2003). Strength test such as the one or three repetition
maximum bench press, bench pull up test, pull-up test, grip strength and leg strength tests
have been used to profile the strength characteristics in various rugby populations.
Crewther et al., (2009), reported significant differences in one repetition maximum (1 RM)
box squat (197.7 ± 25.5 kg vs. 181.9 ±16.8 kg) and bench press (143.6 ± 10.9 kg vs.130.6
±17.9 kg) strength in forwards and back respectively at elite level. These findings are in line
with previous research on international rugby union players (Cometti, Pousson, Bernardin, &
Brullebaut, 1992). The positional difference in muscular strength can be partially explained by
the larger body mass of forwards, and may also reflect the muscular adaptation which occurs
as a function of the strength requirements of forwards to enable them to withstand and
transmit the forces applied whilst scrumming (Quarrie & Wilson, 2000).
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