Fitness: Physical Demands By Position

1. Props and Hookers

Good maximum strength in legs, lower back, neck and shoulders for holding initial thrust by opposition in scrum, and overcoming that resistance.

Power

In legs, gluteals (butt) and hips for initial thrust in scrum, jumping and lineouts.

Local muscular endurance

In all above muscle groups plus forearms, biceps and triceps and upper back for repetitive wrestling type activity in the "loose".

2. Second Row

As above plus power. More jumping height expected and more speed expected than front row.

3. No. 8 Lock Forward

As 1. and 2., but also likely to be involved in more running than 2nd row, therefore more speed is expected.

4. Wing Forward

As 1. and 2., but also more power endurance (ability to sustain speed) is required.

5. Scrum Half/Stand Off

Needs good lateral explosion and reflex/reaction time. Good muscular endurance (likely to get caught in loose rucks more than other backs, except F.B.) and ability to overcome inertia, i.e., move very fast
from a dead stop.

6. Fullback Inside/Outside, Outside Center, Wings

Power endurance, the ability to sustain maximum speed. Power, as it applies to exploding through a tackle.