Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rugby requires diverse physical qualities that vary by position, with forwards (F) prioritizing mass, strength, and collision performance, while backs (B) emphasize speed, agility, and endurance. There is limited research examining these differences among rugby athletes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the position differences in body composition, performance, aerobic fitness, and muscle fiber type in female rugby players. METHODS: Ten female rugby players (7F, 3B) completed laboratory testing (body composition, muscle function, and aerobic fitness) and a field test (sprint, agility, and Bronco). Type II fiber proportion was estimated using Suter et al. regression equation based on torque, power, and thigh fat-free mass. Statistical analysis included independent t-tests (Welch if violated), Shapiro-Wilk, Levene’s, Cohen’s d, and Pearson/Spearman correlations with significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: B had a significantly greater ballistic push up height (B:20.44cm ± 1.57, F:12.13cm ± 3.00, p=0.002), vertical jump height (B:36.78cm ± 2.80, F:28.67cm ± 3.53, p=0.009), and a relative VO2max (B:45.63ml/min/kg ± 2.55, F:37.80ml/min/kg ± 4.54, p=0.0025) than F. No significant difference was observed in handgrip, muscle fiber type, or field test, although B performed better on average across all field assessments. There was a strong correlation between bronco and 40-meter sprint (r=0.987, p<0.001), bronco and relative VO2max (r=-0.880, p<0.001), and 40-meter sprint and relative VO2max (r=-0.748, p=0.013). CONCLUSION: Female rugby B demonstrated greater explosiveness and aerobic fitness due to greater positional demands for speed and endurance. These findings support the notion of position-specific physiological adaptations and can help guide targeted training strategies for female rugby athletes.
Recommended Citation
Noel, Liam; Kim, Jiseung; Mina, Victor; Cleary, Christopher J.; and Ives, Stephen
(2026)
"Differences in Muscle Fiber Types Between Forwards and Backs in Female Rugby Players,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 15:
Iss.
9, Article 19.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol15/iss9/19