Objectives: To quantify and compare the physical characteristics of sub-elite university age rugby players from New Zealand and Japan.
Methods: Fifty-seven athletes from New Zealand (n=28) and Japan (n=29) were assessed using a battery of standardised testing protocols to determine individual physical characteristics. Athletes were measured for height, weight, body composition (sum of 8 skinfolds), flexibility (sit and reach) muscular strength (Predicted 1RM back-squat and bench-press), muscular power (counter-movement jump and bench-throw), muscular endurance (60s pull-ups and push-ups), speed (10,20 and 40m sprint), change of direction speed (505 agility test), aerobic capacity (multi-stage shuttle run test) and repeated sprint ability (repeated sprint ability test).
Results: The differences between the New Zealand and Japanese athletes are minimal. However, the New Zealand athletes tested significantly better (p < 0.05) than the Japanese athletes for flexibility (27.81 ± 7.27cm vs 13.15 ± 6.65cm) and 10m sprint speed (1.76 ± 0.08s vs 1.81 ± 0.08s). Japanese athletes tested significantly better (p < 0.05) than their New Zealand counterparts for counter-movement jump (72.91 ± 6.69cm vs 59.68 ± 7.77cm), bench-throw (1215.38 ± 218.14w vs 825.9 ± 209.45w), 60s push-up endurance (65.63 ± 16.68 vs 53.63 ± 12.87) and repeated sprint ability test difference (0.49 ± 0.3s vs 0.25 ± 0.07s). No significant differences were evident for all other measured variables.
Conclusion: The physical characteristics of New Zealand and Japanese sub-elite university age rugby players are similar. However, the New Zealand athletes showcase superior 10m sprint speed and hamstring and lower back flexibility. The Japanese athletes showcased superior lower body power, upper body power, muscular endurance and repeated sprint abilities.