I am going to discuss the components of fitness needed for rugby, in particular the propping position. BY LUKE DAWSON

Cardiovascular Endurance

Cardiovascular endurance is important in rugby because, you need to work constantly at a physically enduring rate, for a long period of time. You need stamina as a prop to endure the physical requirements of scrimmaging, Malling, rucking, line outs and general contact with the opposition.

Muscular Endurance

Muscular endurance is extremely important as a prop, because you need to be able to perform repeated short muscle contractions throughout the period of the game. For instance scrimmaging as a prop, you’re putting a strong force against your opponent in a forward motion for a short period of time.

Speed

Speed for certain positions in rugby is very important, but as a prop it isn’t as important as other aspects of fitness. For example a back position player might have to commit to a sprint, whereas a prop will take the ball into contact and make as much ground as possible. This is done through strength and muscular endurance.

Strength

Strength is probably one of the most important components of fitness, to be a prop. Throughout a game of rugby a prop is repeating muscle contractions at different intervals. Without strength the muscles would not be able to endure an opposing force being placed on them. So along with muscular endurance, strength is very important.

Flexibility

Flexibility as a prop is essential in a scrimmage, because they need to be able to get into a very low position to ensure an advantage over the opposing prop. This is because the lower the prop is the more stable the base and platform is when they bind to the opposite prop.

Key skills

The key skills needed to be a prop are the ability to get into a very low effective position, flat back with head up, thighs perpendicular to ground, Feet splayed with right foot slightly in front of the left. The prop needs to be able to get his hand bound before his opposing prop to lock in and make the opposing props bind less effective.