Linear Sprint and Vertical Jump Performance in Female Rugby Union Players: An Exploratory Analysis Across Age Groups and Playing Positions

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ABSTRACT: Fink, B, Zabaloy, S, Loturco, I, and González, JG. Linear sprint and vertical jump performance in female rugby union players: An exploratory analysis across age groups and playing positions. J Strength Cond Res 40(1): 118-126, 2026-This study aimed to (a) determine the distance needed to reach maximum velocity (Vmax) in female rugby union players during a 50-m linear sprint, considering age categories (i.e., under-14 [U14], under-16 [U16], under-18 [U18], and Seniors) and playing positions (i.e., forwards and backs); (b) examine differences in linear sprint performance and countermovement jump (CMJ) height across age categories and playing positions; and (c) explore the associations between sprint times, Vmax, and CMJ height, using players' body mass as a covariate. Eighty-five female rugby players (U14: n = 22; 13.45 ± 1.06 years, U16: n = 23; 15.39 ± 0.78 years, U18: n = 21; 16.19 ± 0.68 years, Seniors: n = 20; 24.35 ± 5.16 years) volunteered to participate in the study. Subjects completed a 50-m linear sprint and CMJ test on the same day. Results showed that younger players (i.e., U14, U16, U18) reached Vmax at 15-20 m whereas Seniors did so at 20-25 m. Backs showed a higher Vmax than forwards in U14, U16, and Senior categories (p < 0.05; effect size [ES] > 0.85), and greater CMJ height in U14 (p = 0.028; ES = -1.01). Likewise, lower sprint times (from 5 to 20 m) and higher CMJ height were observed in Senior compared with their younger counterparts (p < 0.05). Similarly, Senior forwards showed lower sprint times (from 20 to 50 m) and higher CMJ height than U14 players (p < 0.05; r: small to moderate). Regarding associations, CMJ height was significantly related to all sprint measures (p < 0.05). In conclusion, younger female rugby players require shorter distances to reach Vmax than Seniors, and these results emphasize the importance of assessing vertical jump and sprint performance, given the associations observed across all measures.

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