(17) CAN ANTHROPOMETRICS AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES PREDICT SELECTION FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS IN YOUNG ITALIAN RUGBY UNION PLAYERS?

Rugby Union is a large field sport characterized by high intensity static (rucks, mauls, tackles) and dynamic (sprints, jumps) efforts. Forward (FW) players are mostly involved in static, while backs (BK) in dynamic efforts. Diverging game demands resulted in marked differences in anthropometrics and physical abilities for different playing positions, with stronger and heavier players being favored for selection for international competitions. National federations have therefore resorted to talent identification programs to scout young players’ characteristics key for senior international success.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was twofold: assess anthropometric and physical differences of FW and BK players selected (NAT) or not (INT) for international competitions; develop a predictive model to identify players selected for the World Rugby Under 20 Championship.

Methods: A retrospective study design was employed. Data for 72 young talent identified Italian Rugby Union Players (age=19.0±0.5years, Height=1.86±0.08m, Body mass=101.1±13.4kg) was collected over two consecutive years. Players’ anthropometrics and physical abilities were regularly tested as part of the strength and conditioning program.  Body composition was assessed with a 7-sites skinfold equation (%Fat). Countermovement jump height (CMJh) was assessed with an optoelectric system (Optojump Next, Microgate, Bolzano, Italy) and peak power (CMJpp) was estimated with the Evertett et al. equation. Sprint times and momentum over 10 m (10t, 10mm) and 30 m (30t, 30mm) were tested with timing gates (Witty, Microgate, Bolzano, Italy). Maximal strength was assessed with the One Repetition Maximum test in the Back Squat (SQ1RM), Deadlift (DL1RM), Bench Press (BP1RM), and Bench Row (BR1RM) exercises. Aerobic fitness with the Bronco running test. Reliability of the measurements was quantified by a two-way mixed intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for average measurements (ICC type 3, k). Two-way ANOVA, with playing position and selection as between subjects’ factors, was completed. Variables that presented significant selection effect were tested as independent variables in multiples logistic regression analysis, with selection as the dependent variable. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% conference intervals were also calculated.

Results: reliability was excellent for all tested variables ( >0.964). No interaction effect was present for dependent variables. A significant position effect was present for Height (p< 0.01), Body mass (p< 0.01), BMI (p< 0.01), %Fat (p< 0.01), CMJh (p< 0.01), CMJpp (p< 0.01), 10t (p< 0.01), 30t (p< 0.01), 10mm (p< 0.01), 30mm (p< 0.01), SQ1RM (p< 0.01), DL1RM (p< 0.01), BR1RM (p< 0.01), Bronco (p< 0.01). A significant selection effect was present for Body mass (p=0.048), CMJpp (p=0.047), 10mm, 30mm, SQ1RM (p< 0.01), DL1RM (p< 0.01), and BP1RM (p=0.035). The statistically significant logistic regression model only included SQ1RM (p=0.015, OR=1.045 [1.009-1.083]).

Conclusions: ANOVA results indicated evident differences in body size and physical abilities are already present at a young age for FW and BW in Italian talent identified young rugby union players. Also, INT players are bigger, stronger, and more powerful, especially in their lower body, with SQ1RM being the best predictor for selection. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: strength and conditioning coaches should prioritize body mass and lower body strength development, with particular emphasis on the back squat.

Acknowledgements: none