Kinanthropometry and grouping strategies in youth rugby

A variety of kinanthropometric measurements (the study of size, shape, proportion, composition and maturation) have been used to characterise youth rugby-playing cohorts. Herein, differences between age-grades and playing groups (forwards and backs) have been established, whilst maturation appears to influence performance and selection in talent development programmes. Additionally, anthropometric-based grading methods of youth players have been applied as an alternative to traditional age grouping strategies. However, there is a lack of transparency as a consequence of limited detail in the methods for the measures used and limited research examining (1) the differences beyond comparisons of forwards and backs in players of the same age; (2) community age-grade rugby; and (3) youth female rugby. Furthermore, whilst anthropometric-based ‘grouping’ methods appear theoretically sound, there is currently a lack of research to support their proposed benefits.