Abstract des Autors

We studied the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of 20 players who were members of the US national rugby team. Forwards were compared with back-line players, and these athletes were compared with other rugby players and other elite intermittent-sport athletes. The forwards were taller and heavier than the back-line players, had greater lean body weight, a higher percent body fat, greater gross anaerobic power and capacity, but similar aerobic capacities. Rugby players overall were slightly older and leaner than other intermittent-sport athletes. Their aerobic fitness was similar to that of professional basketball, football, and baseball players but lower than that of professional soccer players and national representative ice hockey players. Verf.-Referat