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RESEARCH PRODUCT

What is the optimal environment for the long-term physical development of the young elite rugby player? : Study of the physical characteristics and competition demands

subject

description

To ensure long-term sporting success, a governing body such as French Rugby Union (FFR) must implement a physical development plan from youth to senior player. In this way, federal academies have been created for players from 15 years old (category under 16 (U16)), to 17 years old and then the development continues in clubs. Throughout their youth career, players might experience U18 or U20 teams, selection which are the two only national youth French team. The aim of this thesis was to describe the physical development of young French rugby players from their entry into national pathway (U16) to U20. To achieve this, we first described the anthropometric and physical characteristics of players who had been international (INT) with the French national team or the French U20 team and of non-international players (NI) (Study 1). We showed a clear progression in anthropometric characteristics and physical qualities throughout the development of young French elite players. Furthermore, the results allowed us to distinguish that strength, power and speed were the qualities required to reach the international level. Secondly, we evaluated the physical match demands of U18 and U20 international matches by analysing movement and contact-load through a whole match perspective but also with specific sequences (during ball in play and during peak activity sequences) (Study 2). The match demands observed in the present international U18 players suggested that they were able to respond to the overall and peak demands observed in U20 competition. A specific focus on the ability to repeat contact actions in U18s, especially forwards, is suggested to be able to respond to the peak contact load of U20 matches. Finally, we described the fatigue responses of U18 and U20 following international matches, and assessed the potential relationships with external match-load (Study 3). Amongst the tests included (i.e. CMJ, [CK] and a self-reported questionnaire), only [CK] was a discriminating factor with higher concentrations observed in U20s compared to U18s. Moreover, playing time and contact-load had a negative impact on time-course recovery. Finally, a high between-player variability in fatigue responses were observed reinforcing the importance of a systematic post-match assessment.Overall, these results highlighted the specificity of the Elite French youth pathway. This thesis enabled the FFR to create references and benchmarks to monitor the physical evolution and match performances. Those important information has been communicated to the different stakeholders in each federal academies in order to plan the player development program as closely as possible to the requirements of the highest youth level.