Determinants of physical attributes in UiTM rugby athletes

The aims of this study is to determine the physical performance attributes based on playing positions in rugby union. The physical performance attributes consists of body fat percentage, speed, agility and quickness, and muscular strength component. For the purpose of this study thirty-five male rugby players who are currently playing for the Malaysian Super League from the UiTM Lion Rugby Club were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Their mean age, weight and height were 22.6 years old (SD 2.49), 81.28 kg (SD 13.53) and 175.0 cm (SD 5.86) respectively. The results showed that there were significant difference for agility, upper body strength and body fat percentage for the forward and backline positions, but no significant difference for speed and lower body strength. This study found UiTM Rugby Athletes was asymmetry in physical attributes based on both position despite the recommendation is contrary. Hence, its recommended rugby union athletes in Malaysia should delve the symmetry physical attributes by both positions through physical conditioning training.