Research Impact Summary: Although semi-professional players make up the majority of the rugby union (RU) population there is a lack of knowledge on this population in the sport. Therefore, the physiological fitness characteristics of semi-professional (RU) players was the main focus of this article. The aerobic fitness and strength characteristic were analysed using a maximal graded test and knee strength test. The results highlight significant differences across aerobic fitness and knee strength in backs and forward. This information can greatly inform the individualized training protocol and physical preparation of current and future players across different positions and different rugby levels.
Baba T, Joyce M, Boibluche S, Hu X, McGrath D, Dubois R, et al. Aerobic fitness and isokinetic knee strength of semi-professional rugby union players: a comparison between backs and forwards. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2021 Jan 20. DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.21.11235-6
Thierry Baba is a Sport and Exercise Sciences undergraduate student at UL with an interest in exercise physiology and sport psychology. With the experience of playing soccer at the highest level in youth sport (representing the Republic) at u15-u18 level, he has a passion for understanding and evaluating sport performance. The opportunity to participate in a study with rugby union players came about while he was on work experience in Rennes France, at the University of École Normale Supérieure de Rennes. While on work experience at the French University, he worked with two PhD students and Prof. Jacques Prioux on the publication. Thierry also worked with professional rugby union players from Rugby club de Vannes.
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