Objectives: The study questioned if and to what extent specific anthropometric and functional characteristics measured in youth draft camps, can accurately predict subsequent career progression in rugby union. Design: Original research. Methods: Anthropometric and functional characteristics of 531 male players (U16) were retrospectively analysed in relation to senior level team representation at age 21-24. Players were classified as International (Int: National team and international clubs) or National (Nat: 1st, 2nd and other divisions and dropout). Multivariate analysis of variance (one-way MANOVA) tested differences between Int and Nat, along a combination of anthropometric (body mass, height, body fat, fat-free mass) and functional variables (SJ, CMJ, t15m, t30m, VO2max). A discriminant function (DF) was determined to predict group assignment based on the linear combination of variables that best discriminate groups. Correct level assignment was expressed as % hit rate. Results: A combination of anthropometric and functional characteristics reflects future level assignment (Int vs. Nat). Players` success can be accurately predicted (hit rate = 81% and 77% for Int and Nat respectively) by a DF that combines anthropometric and functional variables as measured at ~15 years of age, percent body fat and speed being the most influential predictors of group stratification. Conclusions: Within a group of 15 year-olds with exceptional physical characteristics, future players` success can be predicted using a linear combination of anthropometric and functional variables, among which a lower percent body fat and higher speed over a 15 m sprint provide the most important predictors of the highest career success.
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