Youth Rugby

Youth Rugby provides a summary of the latest and most up-to-date research evidence in relation to developing the youth rugby player. The book provides an overview of the latest scientific research for key topics related to the youth rugby player across the codes of rugby (union, league and 7’s; mainly league and union in youth players) whilst also summarising the quality of the evidence available and the limitations of this research and highlighting key future research directions. The book covers a range of fundamental scientific topics relating to paediatric exercise science, human physiology, youth athletic development and high-performance sport. Each author is an experienced researcher within their respective discipline related to the youth rugby player. The book includes chapters on:

• Long-term athletic development, growth and maturation, talent identification and the physical demands of youth rugby training and match-play.

• Physical characteristics and the current evidence behind training methods to promote desired physical qualities.

• Fatigue and recovery, the tackle, psychosocial development, nutrition and injury prevalence and prevention.

This text is essential reading for all scientists, students and applied researchers wanting to develop world-class, evidence-based programmes for their youth athletes.

Kevin Till is a Professor of Athletic Development within the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University, UK.

Jonathon Weakley, PhD, is a Lecturer of Strength and Conditioning and Human Physiology at Australian Catholic University, Australia. He is also an Associate Research Fellow at Leeds Beckett University, UK.

Sarah Whitehead, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in Strength and Conditioning within the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University, UK.

Ben Jones is a Professor in Sport and Exercise Physiology within the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University, UK. Ben is also a Visiting Professor at the University of Cape Town, South Africa and University of New England, Australia.