Anthropometric, Physical, Motor, and Game-specific Profiles of Elite U 16 and U 18 Year-old South African Schoolboy Rugby Players

At present, little is known about elite schoolboy rugby players in South Africa and internationally. To obtain the profile of elite schoolboy rugby players, young players must be tested and monitored to compile norms for them. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of the elite U 16 and U 18 schoolboy rugby players in South Africa with reference to anthropometric variables, physical and motor abilities, and game-specific skills. The research group consisted of U 16 year-old (n = 71) and U 18 year-old (n = 75) elite South African school boy rugby players, also known as the Green Squad of the South African Rugby Union (SARU). The two elite groups were tested during 2003 and 2004 on six anthropometric variables, seven physical and motor ability tests and five game-specific skill tests. Descriptive statistics and practical significant differences (d-values) between the 2003 and 2004 season for the two age groups were computed. Regarding game skills there was a decrease in passing skills in both age groups from 2003 to 2004. Norm scales were compiled for further use by sport scientists and coaches in talent identification.