Anthropometric characteristics of australian junior representative rugby league players

Abstract

Objectives: To comprehensively describe anthropometric characteristics of Australian junior elite rugby league players and assess potential anthropometric dissimilarities between players of varying positional groups, ethnicity (Polynesian vs. non-Polynesian) and playing level (junior vs. professional; using published data from Australian professional players). Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Height, body mass, eight skinfolds, five girths and two bone breadths were measured with body fat (BF%) and somatotype calculated using population-appropriate equations. Data: mean. ±. SD. Results: This study recruited 116 junior players. Mean age, mass and BF% were 17. ±. 1. y, 87.0. ±. 11.6. kg and 14.0. ±. 4.6% respectively. Compared to backs, forwards had greater mass (92.6. ±. 12.2 vs. 80.9. ±. 7.1. kg), skinfolds, girths, femur breadth, BF% (16.1. ±. 4.8% vs. 11.8. ±. 3.2%) (all p