Aerobic exercise physiology in a professional rugby union team.

Introduction: In professional rugby, different positional roles may require different levels of aerobic fitness. Forward and backline players from a team of elite rugby players were tested to evaluate the differences between the two groups.

Methods: 28 male players, 15 backs and 13 forwards, underwent maximal treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX), lung spirometry, a 3 km timed run, and body fat measurement.