Physical fitness of elite women's rugby union players over a ...

Union. The players were sub-divided into the following positional categories: 17 forwards
(five props, two hookers, four locks, six loose forwards) and 15 backs (nine inside backs and
six outside backs). The forwards ages ranged from 19 to 37 years, while backs ages ranged
from 19 to 34 years.
3.4 ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE
The 32 week season was from April 2009 to November 2009 and consisted of pre-season
(from week 1 to 12) and in-season (from weeks 13 to 32) consisting of Provincial games and a
four week overseas tour.
During the season, the participants were tested on the following three occasions:
The first test (T1) in May 2009, was performed two weeks after the beginning of
the competition season.
The second test (T2) in July 2009, was performed at the middle of the competition
season.
The third test (T3) in November 2009, was performed two weeks after the end of
the Interprovincial League Finals, at which 20 of the players participated.
All the players involved in the study followed individual training programs based on the
demands of their specific playing position.
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