ABSTRACT
Rugby League is an intermittent ‘collision’ sport that comprises teams of 13 players: six ‘Forwards’ (those involved in the scrum) and seven ‘Backs’ (those not involved in the scrum). Performance relies on several factors, including: tactical decision-making, player skill levels, interplay between players, mental toughness and physical fitness. Given the ‘multiple-sprint’ nature of the game, the physiological demands placed on its players are complex and comprise several fitness components. Hence it is advantageous for the physiologist to possess a thorough understanding of the sport prior to working with a squad of Rugby League players.
