Fitness Components for Rugby Union
In addition to the high level of skill required to play rugby union, to be successful you need, among other things, good strength and power, speed and endurance! However, which of these are more important? Below is a discussion about the fitness requirements for rugby union, which can help with developing training programs for this sport, and for interpreting fitness testing results and determining the relative strengths and weaknesses of a player.
You Need to be Powerful with Good Endurance
We have a poll about the component of fitness most important for success in rugby union. Out of the options of Body Size and Composition, Muscle Strength, Muscular Endurance, Power, Speed / Quickness, Agility, Flexibility, Balance and Coordination, and Cardiovascular Endurance, the factors which are considered most important by the readers of this site are power, muscular endurance and cardiovascular endurance. You can add your vote too, and see the latest results.
You Need to be Motivated, Skillful and Powerful
In a similar poll, we have asked people to rate the 12 factors of success for sports. Visitors to this site have rated each of these factors for the sport of rugby union, and the most important according to them are: motivation and self-confidence, skill and tactical ability, with strength and power the most highly rated physical component.
For comparison, we have asked the same questions for rugby 7s athletes. Compared to rugby union players, rugby sevens players generally more athletic, particularly they are much faster and more agile, but not necessarily more skilful. See the Rugby Union v Rugby 7s comparison.
You can also add your ratings of Which Factors Make Successful Rugby Union Players, and for Rugby 7s too, and see the latest results.
it's a tough game Rugby
Most Important Factors for Success in Order of Importance (data from 2018)
4.3 Motivation & Self Confidence
4.3 Skill and Technique
4.1 Strength & Power
4.1 Analytic & Tactical Ability
4.0 Aerobic Endurance
4.0 Speed / Quickness
4.0 Agility
4.0 Coping with Pressure Situations
4.0 Balance & Coordination
3.9 Reaction Time
3.5 Body Size and Composition
3.3 Flexibility
Related Pages
- Rugby union is more skillful than rugby league, but that is all they are better at.
- Rugby Union Polls
- Discussion about Who Is The Fittest Rugby Player Ever?
- Warming Up for Rugby Union
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
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