Resistance training in competitive adolescent rugby union players

Background: Resistance training is an integral component of rugby union training. Moreover, resistance training comprises a foundational element of the long-term physical development of adolescent rugby union players, particularly within talent development programs. However, few studies have attempted to determine the most effective resistance training programs for adolescent populations. Higher level rugby union players have greater height, body mass, muscle strength and power, and speed than lower level players. Assessments of body size and physical performance are regularly used to evaluate an individual’s ability to succeed at higher playing levels, however an individual’s maturity status plays an important role in the development of both physical size and physical performance characteristics. Thus, assessments of body size and physical performance during adolescence need to consider the role of biological maturation in the development and enhancement of physical and performance characteristics. Currently evidence gaps exist for identifying the most effective progression of resistance training programs in adolescent rugby union players, determining their maturity status and the influence maturity status has on physical characteristics in this population. Objectives: This thesis presents a series of studies that were conducted to address the gaps in the evidence base. Given the integral nature of resistance training in rugby union training programs, the primary aims of this thesis were to firstly evaluate the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training following two different progression models on muscular strength in adolescent rugby players and to secondly determine the maturation status and influence of maturation on physical performance in two talent development programs of adolescent rugby union players. This thesis presents a series of studies investigating the two primary aims and four secondary aims, which are briefly described below in the sequence they are presented in the main body of the thesis.