ABSTRACT
Identifying and understanding the fatigue response of youth rugby players following training and competition is necessary to avoid chronic fatigue, underperformance, and injury. There is an abundance of monitoring tools that have been used in youth rugby cohorts to describe the fatigue response. Tests typically include assessment of lower- and upper-body neuromuscular function, biochemical markers, and athlete self-reported measures. Researchers in youth rugby have typically assessed fatigue measures following training, single matches, and during periods of congested fixtures. The fatigue response following training depends upon the training volume and design (e.g., non-contact vs. contact). Fatigue is present for up to 72 hours following single matches and has the potential for accumulation during periods of congested fixtures. Despite the limited number of studies investigating fatigue and recovery in youth rugby players, this chapter presents the current findings from the literature with the aim to provide an understanding of how youth rugby players recover from competition. This information can help to guide training prescription and recovery methods when youth athletes may be most vulnerable to performance decrements or negative health consequences.
