Playing position influences the relative age effect in senior rugby union

ObjectiveTo establish whether playing position influenced the existence of the relative age effect (RAE) in senior rugby union.Summary of facts and resultsThe birth dates and playing position of 1991 senior French rugby union players registered during the 2014/15 season were obtained from an on-line statistics database. The distribution of player births was compared with the distribution of births in the general French population across the period in question. Results indicated that a RAE existed for forwards but not backline players. Back row forwards in particular showed a pronounced RAE.ConclusionThe existence of the RAE within senior French rugby union is influenced by player position.