Women’s rugby has been growing in popularity over the years, with more and more women taking up the sport. Rugby is a physical sport that requires strength, speed, and endurance, and players come in all shapes and sizes. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the average height of women rugby players and what factors can influence height in the sport.
How Tall Are Women Rugby Players?
The average height of women rugby players varies depending on the position they play. Generally, forwards are taller and heavier, while backs are shorter and lighter. According to a study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, the average height of female rugby players is 1.68 meters (5 feet 6 inches).
Forwards, who play in the front row or second row positions, tend to be the tallest players on the field. They need to have the strength and size to win scrums and lineouts, as well as make tackles and carry the ball forward. The average height of a forward in women’s rugby is around 1.73 meters (5 feet 8 inches).
Backs, who play in the backline positions such as the wings, centers, and fullbacks, are generally shorter and lighter than forwards. They rely on speed, agility, and skill to evade defenders and score tries. The average height of a back in women’s rugby is around 1.63 meters (5 feet 4 inches).
Factors that Influence Height in Women’s Rugby
While genetics play a role in determining height, there are several other factors that can influence the height of women rugby players. These include:
- Nutrition: Proper nutrition is crucial for athletes, especially for growing and developing young players. A diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help players build muscle and maintain a healthy weight, which can impact their height.
- Training: Rugby players undergo intense physical training to improve their strength, speed, and endurance. Training programs that include weightlifting, plyometrics, and agility drills can help players build muscle and improve their overall fitness, which can impact their height.
- Injury: Injuries can have a significant impact on a player’s height, especially if they occur during growth and development. Injuries to the growth plates in the bones can affect their growth, while injuries that cause a loss of muscle mass can affect their overall height.
- Genetics: While genetics cannot be changed, they do play a role in determining height. Some players may have a genetic predisposition to being taller or shorter, regardless of their nutrition or training.
Who Are the Tallest Female Rugby Players?
The tallest female rugby player on record is Jasmine Joyce, who plays for Wales and the Great Britain Sevens team. Joyce stands at an impressive 1.84 meters (6 feet) tall, making her one of the tallest players in rugby union, male or female. Joyce is a versatile player who can play in the backline or the forwards, and she is known for her speed and agility despite her height.
Another notable tall female rugby player is Poppy Cleall, who plays for England and the Saracens Women’s team. Cleall stands at 1.83 meters (6 feet), making her one of the tallest forwards in the women’s game. Cleall is a powerful ball carrier and has been a key player for England in recent years.
Height and Weight Comparison of Rugby Players: Women vs. Men
While the average height of female rugby players is around 1.68 meters (5 feet 6 inches), male rugby players tend to be taller and heavier. According to a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, the average height of male rugby players is around 1.81 meters (5 feet 11 inches), with an average weight of 100 kg (220 lbs). This is significantly taller and heavier than the average female rugby player.
However, it’s important to note that rugby players come in all shapes and sizes, and there is a wide range of heights and weights within both the men’s and women’s game. For example, there are male players who are shorter and lighter than the average female rugby player, and there are female players who are taller and heavier than some male players.
Conclusion
The height of women rugby players varies depending on the position they play, with forwards generally being taller and heavier than backs. Proper nutrition, training, and injury prevention can all impact a player’s height, but genetics also play a role. Despite the variation in height, women’s rugby is a sport that values strength, speed, and skill, and players of all sizes can excel on the field.
