Rugby Fitness Tests

Brian Mackenzie explains how you can monitor the general fitness of a rugby player using Wilf
Paishs rugby football tests

Required resources
To undertake this test you will require:

rugby pitch
400m track
30metre tape measure
cones
an assistant.

Analysis
Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. Its expected that, with
appropriate training between each test, analysis would indicate an improvement in the athletes
fitness and strength. Points are allocated:

Test 1 = (distance 2560)/14.4

Test 2 = (6.7 time in seconds)/0.032
Test 3 = (number of squats 25)/0.65
Test 4 = (number of sit-ups 15)/0.5
Test 5 = (number of press-ups 25)/0.75
Test 6 = (78 total time)/0.48
Test 7= (25.8 zig-zag time)/0.098
Test 8 = (16.8 agility run total time)/ 0.068
Test 9 = (100 diagonal pitch run time)/0.4

Add the points for each test to give a total score. Analysis of the total points is:

Total points > 800 Excellent

Total points 700 to 800
Very good
Total points 600 to 699
Good
Total points 500 to 599
Average
Total points < 500 Poor

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Forward and back differential

In certain circumstances the coach might need to compare the test results of a heavy forward with
a much lighter back. When making this comparison a total of 50 points should be added to those
achieved by the forward.

Injury return
In rugby football, a coach is frequently faced with a situation of deciding when a key player is
ready to return to squad training and playing. When the injured player is able to score the same
total from the tests as was scored prior to the injury then he/she is probably ready for squad
training and competition.

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Target group
This test is suitable for players of team sports (rugby, football, etc) but not for individuals where the
test would be contraindicated.

Reliability
Reliability would depend upon how strictly the test is conducted and the individuals level of
motivation to perform the test.

Validity
There are no published tables to relate results to potential performance in competition.

Brian Mackenzie
UK Athletics coach and tutor and editor of Your Personal Trainer

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