Energy expenditure of rugby players during a 14-day in-season period, measured using doubly labelled water

Criterion data for total energy expenditure (TEE) in elite rugby are lacking, which prediction equations may not reflect accurately. This study quantified TEE of 27 elite male rugby league (RL) and rugby union (RU) players (U16, U20, U24 age groups) during a 14-day in-season period using doubly labelled water (DLW). Measured TEE was also compared to estimated, using prediction equations. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured using indirect calorimetry, and physical activity level (PAL) estimated (TEE:RMR). Differences in measured TEE were unclear by code and age (RL 4369 ± 979; RU 4365 ± 1122; U16, 4010 ± 744; U20, 4414 ± 688; U24, 4761 ± 1523 Kcal day(− 1)). Differences in PAL (overall mean 2.0 ± 0.4) were unclear. Very likely differences were observed in RMR by code (RL 2366 ± 296; RU 2123 ± 269 Kcal day(− 1)). Differences in relative RMR between U20 and U24 were very likely (U16, 27 ± 4; U20, 23 ± 3; U24, 26 ± 5 Kcal kg(− 1) day(− 1)). Differences were observed between measured and estimated TEE, using Schofield, Cunningham and Harris–Benedict equations for U16 (187 ± 614, unclear; − 489 ± 564, likely and − 90 ± 579, unclear Kcal day(− 1)), U20 (− 449 ± 698, likely; − 785 ± 650, very likely and − 452 ± 684, likely Kcal day(− 1)) and U24 players (− 428 ± 1292; − 605 ± 1493 and − 461 ± 1314 Kcal day(− 1), all unclear). Rugby players have high TEE, which should be acknowledged. Large inter-player variability in TEE was observed demonstrating heterogeneity within groups, thus published equations may not appropriately estimate TEE.