Can the Physical Development Trajectories of Rugby League Players at Different Age Groups Inform the Talent Pathway? A Multi-Club Study of 261 Players.

ABSTRACT: The structure of a talent identification and development system (TIDS), in terms of its starting, entry, and exit points is an important consideration for sporting organisations. Early talent identification decisions can be ineffective due to unpredictable and individually variable talent development. Physical qualities are a key contributor to performance in rugby league. Therefore, understanding physical development differences between age groups can inform the structure of the rugby league TIDS by highlighting key phases of development. Between-player variability in physical development must also be considered to understand the generalisability of age-group trends. Consequently, this study aimed to compare rates of physical development between annual age groups (i.e., U15, 16, 17, 18) i

SUBMITTER: Wild S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12685470 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature