Match-play demands and anthropometric characteristics of national and international women’s, fifteen-a-side rugby union: a systematic scoping review

An increased professionalisation within women’s 15-a-side rugby union (R15s) has prompted greater sports science support and a need to better understand demands of the sport. Online database (PubMed, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus) searches were performed according to the PRISMA Scoping Review protocol. Studies were eligible if match-play demands or anthropometric characteristics of women’s R15s players were investigated. After calibration exercises, the lead and senior authors independently quality-assessed each study. A total of 1,068 studies were identified, 15 of which met study criteria. Mean total match-play distance covered was 5378±626 m (Forwards: 5188±667 m, Backs: 5604±609 m), with first half values exceeding second half (2922±87 m vs. 2876±115 m). Mean relative distance RD (72.0 m∙min-1) was greater than their male counterparts (64.2 m∙min-1–68.2 m∙min-1). Backs were exposed to more severe collisions compared to Forwards (6±1 vs. 5±4). Work:rest ratios ranged between 1.0:0.7–1.0:0.9. Regarding anthropometric characteristics, mean lean and fat mass was reported as 51.9±5.2 kg and 18.6±4.6 kg, respectively. Mean body fat percentage was 24.7±5.4 %. Mean bone mineral density and bone mineral content was 1.27±0.04 g∙cm-2 and 3.07±0.2 kg, respectively. This scoping review summarizes the current evidence base and key findings relating to the match-play demands and anthropometric characteristics that can be used in practice to inform player welfare and sport science support to women’s R15s players at a national and international standard. Numerous gaps in our understanding of how best to develop and optimize performance, physical demands and anthropometric characteristics of women’s R15s players remain.