A Protocol and comparative norms for the identification and selection of talent among elite Age-Group rugby players in South Africa

Abstract

In South Africa and around the world, sporting bodies concern themselves with the identification and development of potentially successful sports players. Rugby union is one of the most prominent sport types in which South Africa has achieved great success, both historically and currently. There have been a number of studies on talent identification in rugby and this study has attempted to further contribute to that body of knowledge. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop reviewed and alternative sport and positionspecific testing protocols as well as comparative results for identification and selection in elite age-group rugby union. The sample group consisted of the 2008 Blue Bulls Vodacom Cup and U/21 rugby squad (n=24), the 2008 South African U/21 rugby squad (n=26) and the 2008 TUKS Rugby Academy squad (n=22). These squads were divided into the positional groupings of tight forwards, loose forwards and backs. New and modified talent and ability tests were successfully established, e.g. 3 x 5 x 22 m anaerobic capacity test, the Stest (passing accuracy) and the kick for distance and accuracy test. These tests were modified from pre-existing tests that have long been the mainstay of talent identification in rugby union in South Africa and made up part of the broader modified protocol consisting of anthropometric, physical-motor and rugbyspecific skills. Furthermore, a sport-vision aspect to testing was also successfully incorporated. It can, therefore, be concluded that this study makes a meaningful contribution towards the identification and selection of those currently involved or capable of future success in elite age-group rugby union through the provision of a robust test protocol and comparative results that can serve as an alternative identification and selection tool.