Die effek van groei en ryping op motoriese en fisieke vermoëns, asook rugbyvaardighede van vroeë-, middel en laat ontwikkelende rugbyspelers: ’n longitudinale ondersoek

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of growth and maturation over a period of three years on the physical and motor abilities and rugby skills of talented young rugby players aged 15 to 18 years. Differences between early developers (ED) (n = 4), average developers (AD) (n = 13) and late developers (LD) (n = 1) were also assessed over the three-year period. Flexibility, leg and back strength, muscle endurance, speed and aerobic endurance were measured using different standardized tests. Differences over the three-year period were analysed within and between groups using descriptive statistics, repeated measurements over time and two-way Analysis of Variance. An analysis adjusting for race and playing position was also performed to evaluate the role of these characteristics in the results. Results indicated no significant differences in physical and motor abilities or rugby skills of players between ages 15 and 18 years, although significant improvement was seen in flexibility and explosive strength of early and average developers. Furthermore race showed an effect on strength measurements (especially leg strength), and player position on leg strength and aerobic endurance, while the effect of late development seems to shrink as boys grow older.Key words: Early developers; Average developers; Late developers; Motor abilities; Physical abilities; Maturation