Abstract des Autors

Rugby Union has its roots in common with the historical football games and has elements that overlap with other contemporary football codes. The work-rates of players are lower than in soccer and are characterised by periods of recovery that are longer than periods of exercise. In either game average values mask the occasional sequence of intense activities with short intermissions following. Physiological responses to Rugby Union match-play indicate that the game makes demands on anaerobic metabolism and that players can benefit from aerobic fitness. Muscle strength is a requirement of all playing positions, though players may differ markedly in other kinanthropometric respects. Elite players have low adiposity whilst stature is a more important requirement for line-out play than is jumping ability. Somatotype seems to differ throughout playing positions and varies among forwards between front, second and back rows. Players are recommended to make special preparations for unaccustomed environmental conditions, including cold, heat and altitude. Lifestyles of elite players have altered in recent years, owing to the institution of the World Championships and the introduction of professional status. This development enforces on players the need to adopt a systematic approach to training in order to be prepared for high-level competition. Verf.-Referat