Abstract: Objective: To explore aerobic power and energy expenditure of high level rugby players in China, which provide experimental basis for accurate training and nutritional strategy in match-play. Methods: Eighteen master rugby players were selected as research subjects. The parameters such as VO₂max, lactic aicd threshold (LT) and modify conconi test were measured respectively. The differences of energy were compared between the forward and the defender. The data were analyzed by independent sample t test. Results: The VO₂max(42.05±3.69 ml/min·kg^-1) of rugby players was poorer. The VO₂max of the forward was 38.83±3.52 (ml/min·kg^-1), and that of the defender was 47.31±3.17 (ml/min·kg^-1),and there was significant difference between the forwards and the defenders (P＜0.05). The LT of the defenders was obviously higher than that of the forwards. Modifier conconi test had a high correlation (r = 0.772) with VO₂max. The average energy consumption in the first half of the game was about(276.94±18.08)kcals, the second half was(225.58±22.86)kcals, and the second half was less than the first half (P＜0.05).Conclusion: The aerobic power is different between the forwards and the defenders. The power of aerobic of Chinese players is weaker than that of the foreign rugby players.

Key words: aerobic power, VO₂max, lactate threshold, rugby