Physiological and anthropometric characteristics of junior rugby league players over a competitive season.

This study investigated the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of junior rugby league players over a competitive season. Forty-five rugby league players were allocated into training (n = 36) and nonexercise control (n = 9) groups. The training group participated in 2 field-training sessions each week with training loads, match loads, and injury rates recorded. Subjects performed measurements of standard anthropometry (height, body mass, and sum of 7 skinfolds), muscular power (vertical jump), speed (10-, 20-, and 40-m sprint), agility ('L run'), and estimated maximal aerobic power (multi-stage fitness test) in December (off-season), March (preseason), May (midseason), and August (end-season). Training loads progressively increased in the general preparatory phase of the season (preseason period), and declined slightly during the competitive phase of the season. Match intensity and match loads decreased throughout the season. Increases in estimated maximal aerobic power and muscular power and reductions in skinfold thickness occurred during the general preparatory phase of the season, and were maintained throughout the competitive phase of the season. These findings suggest that high training loads in the general preparatory phase of the season and low match loads in the competitive phase of the season allow junior rugby league players to maintain a high level of fitness throughout an entire competitive season.