Talent identification and development in youth rugby players: A research review
Abstract
Several South African studies were conducted during the past twelve years (1995 to
2007) as part of a research project on Talent Identification and Development. The
main objective of this project was to compile the profile of a potential talented and
elite youth rugby player, primarily within the conceptual research model proposed by
Salmela and Régnier (1983). Hundreds of elite youth rugby players, within the age
range 10 to 19 years old, were tested on several anthropometric, physical and motor
abilities, game specific skills, and injury epidemiology. The research project was
extended to England and New Zealand, and the data compared with that of South
African teams. Other possible variables of talent identification, including
proprioception, balance, plyometric strength, injuries, and ethical behaviour, were
also investigated. The aim of this research review is to provide scientific evidence
concerning the profile of an elite youth rugby player, thereby providing variables,
assessment tools, and recommendations to coaches, selectors, administrators, and
scouts, which may be used in the identification, selection, and development of future
elite rugby players. Hopefully, this research review will furthermore stimulate future research on talent identification and development within youth team sport
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