The aim of this study was to examine the force production, lower body kinematics and kinetics of front row rugby union forwards during the engagement phase of a simulated rugby union scrum. Twenty-eight male front row players were divided into three groups; professional, senior and junior amateur players. Players performed five trials based on the International Rugby Board scrum engagement sequence. Three dimensional motion analysis and force plate data were used to determine joint angles and reaction forces both on the scrum machine and on the ground. Professional front row forwards generated significantly greater force during the engagement phase compared to both senior and junior amateur players. Professional players had a significantly greater knee abduction angle and generated larger peak hip joint power compared to both junior and senior players.
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