Body composition of rugby union football players

Abstract

The components of body composition were studied in 56 second class rugby union football players: 28 forwards and 28 backs. Fowards were found to have 19.5% TBF (TOTAL BODY FAT) and 80.5% LBM (LEAN BODY MASS); backs 12.2% TBF and 87.8% LBM. It was felt that greater attention should be given to the ratio of TBF to LBM in determining body weight and that there should be an increased emphasis of the LBM at the expense of TBF.