What Physiological Changes Occur During the Competitive Rugby Union Season?

Rugby union is a high intensity, intermittent team sport which is played over 80 minutes. Players are divided into two main positional groups, forwards and backs, with backs covering a larger distance and completing more sprints and forwards partaking in more static exertions. With the game of rugby union getting progressively faster, body composition and power to weight ratio are key determinants. Due to the demands placed on these players it is essential that they are in optimal health continually, however, whilst the required physical attributes are well documented, this research will provide an insight into physiological and anthropometric changes that occur across two seasons.

During this study subjects will be asked to attend the lab on 8 occasions over the course of two seasons (June 2018, September 2018, January 2019, April 2019, June 2019, September 2019, January 2020 and April 2020). During these visits the following tests will be completed; a peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT) scan of the bone mineral composition of the tibia and radius, total body composition via Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), anterior-posterior spine bone mineral density to assess fracture risk via DXA, vertebral fracture risk via DXA. ~24ml of whole blood will be taken to determine serum 25(OH)D, albumin, calcium, zinc, total red blood cell count, lymphocytes, monocytes, carboxy-terminal collagen crosslinks (CTX) and amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP) concentrations. In June all players will complete a 6 minute run to determine fitness. Players will be expected to measure body weight and complete wellness questionnaires daily at the club and have skinfold measurements taken monthly. global positioning system (GPS) data will be collected during each training session and performance analysis will be utilised to determine the amount of contacts completed. Illness and injury occurrences will be recorded throughout the season.