players peak

Question
At what age do rugby players normally reach their "peak"?

Answer
Sir,

As my research is showing me, the term "peak" is very complex.

Generally in terms of rugby, especially at upper levels, differing aspects come to play.

Anecdotal evidence suggests the following:

Young men are generally at their natural peak physical around 24.  From there, it is additional effort that maintains "peak" fitness.  The natural aging process affects both the ability to heal and flexibility.

Rugby players are at their "rugby" (experience and the maturity to effectively use that experience) peak is around 28.  This assumes while by the time he is 18 he has the fundamentals of rugby down (school age rugby), he has played competitive club side rugby for about ten years.  

Many of the great internationals were in the 28 to 32 year age group.  With the introduction of professionalism with accelerated training methods, this is likely to change significantly.

This is a very interesting question.  As I said, anecdotal evidence indicates the above.  I plan to continue researching the question in order to have a more definitive answer.

Thank you,

Deane Shephard
Stuttgart RFC