The Skills It Takes To Be An Olympic Rugby Player | Sport Science | ESPN Archives

Summary

In this engaging segment from ESPN Sports Science, elite rugby players Kristin Thomas and Madison Hughes showcase their exceptional skills. Thomas, excelling in power and agility, demonstrates remarkable cutting ability and strength during drills, comparable to NFL running back LeSean McCoy. Hughes, the scrum-half, showcases his precision passing while generating impressive ball spin. The analysis reveals the intense physical demands of rugby, with Hughes burning approximately 1,700 calories during a match, equivalent to running a half marathon. This exploration highlights the athletic prowess required in rugby, captivating fans and athletes alike.

Takeaways

• 🏋️‍♀️ Elite rugby players Kristin Thomas and Madison Hughes are featured in the ESPN Sports Science lab.
• 🚀 Kristin Thomas, a center, demonstrates exceptional power and mobility by navigating 1,500 pounds of heavy bags.
• ⏱ Thomas makes three quick cuts in under two seconds, nearly matching NFL all-pro running back LeSean McCoy's time.
• 💥 After a spin move, Thomas generates over 400 pounds of force, comparable to being hit by a rugby ball traveling at 85 mph.
• ⚽ Madison Hughes, playing as a scrum-half, showcases his passing skill under pressure using high-tech apparel.
• 💪 Hughes utilizes nearly 100% of his bicep muscles to achieve a ball spin rate of 2,200 degrees per second.
• 📏 Despite being 27% larger, a rugby ball can achieve a spin rate comparable to that of a well-thrown football.
• 🔥 During a match, a 175-pound player like Hughes burns around 1,700 calories, similar to completing a half marathon.
• 💡 The analysis highlights the intense physical demands placed on rugby players and the balance of strength and skill required.
• 🔬 This research emphasizes the role of technology in sports science, aiding in athlete preparation and performance assessment.

Q & A

Who are the two elite rugby players featured in the sport science lab?

The players are Kristin Thomas and Madison Hughes, representing Team USA.

What is the key strength of Kristin Thomas as a rugby player?

Her game is predicated on power and mobility.

How does Kristin Thomas compare to NFL players in terms of agility?

She makes three cuts in under two seconds, which is just half a second shy of the time for NFL all-pro running back LeSean McCoy.

What kind of force does Kristin Thomas generate when stiff-arming the dummy?

She generates more than 400 pounds of force, comparable to being hit by a rugby ball traveling at 85 miles per hour.

What is Madison Hughes's primary skill position in rugby?

Madison Hughes plays as a scrum-half, and his key skill is passing.

How is Madison Hughes tested in the sport science lab?

He is wired with high-tech Anthos apparel and challenged to a modified version of a pressure test.

What technique does Madison Hughes use when passing the ball?

He plants his left foot and swings his arms, using nearly 100% of his bicep muscles to generate power.

What is the spin rate achieved by Madison Hughes when passing the ball?

He sends the ball with about 2,200 degrees per second of spin, comparable to a typical football spiral.

How does the size of a rugby ball compare to that of a football?

A rugby ball is nearly 27 percent bigger than a football.

What is the calorie expenditure for Madison Hughes during a match?

He burns roughly 1,700 calories during a match, which is about the same energy required to complete a half marathon.