INFOGRAPHIC: How rugby players have changed shape

Sport360 staff 01:22 10/03/2016
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  • Over the past 70 years the All Blacks' average weight has increased by 20kg.

    Small, slender men who graced rugby pitches in the early 20th century are almost unrecognisable compared to the giant behemoths that play the sport in modern times.

    The reason for this drastic change in body shape can be traced to the development of sports science. Players now know that weight training combined with protein-heavy diets will let them pack on the pounds needed to be effective in such a physical sport.

    This infographic, provided by our friends at MaxiNutrition, provides an in depth, easy-to-read analysis of rugby players past and present and also reveals a direct correlation between increasing size and frequency of serious injuries.

    Let us know your thoughts on the statistics and whether you agree with the implications or not using #360Rugby.

    GSK Evolution of Rugby FINAL BRANDED 30.09.15

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