Digit ratio (2D:4D) and performance in elite rugby players

• Published in: Journal of sports sciences Vol. 28; no. 13; pp. 1415 - 1421
• Main Authors: Bennett, M., Manning, J. T., Cook, C. J., Kilduff, L. P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 01.11.2010; Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Athletes; Athletic Performance; Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers; Body Height; Body Weight; Case-Control Studies; Fetus - drug effects; Fingers - anatomy & histology; Football; Functional Laterality; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; international rugby players; Male; performance predictor; Prenatal testosterone; Rugby; Testosterone; Testosterone - pharmacology; Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports; Young Adult; British Isles, Wales; Human; Prenatal; Rugby; Testosterone; Sport; Prenatal testosterone; Androgen; performance predictor; Testicular hormone; Sex steroid hormone; international rugby players
• ISSN: 0264-0414; 1466-447X
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2010.510143

The relative length of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D) is a putative marker for prenatal testosterone. Low 2D:4D has been reported to correlate with high performance in sport in general. Here, for the first time, we examine the relationship between 2D:4D and performance in elite rugby players. The 44 players (28 forwards, 16 backs) were drawn from the Ospreys Rugby Union Club and 44 age-matched controls. The measures of performance comprised age-adjusted number of international performances (caps) for Wales, a comparison of coaches' first-choice League team with others, and the number of tries scored by backs in club matches. Compared with controls, players were larger and had lower 2D:4D for the right and left hand. With regard to number of caps, players with low 2D:4D in their right hand and low right 2D:4D compared with their left (right − left 2D:4D difference) had high numbers of caps. First-choice players did not differ significantly from second-choice players in their 2D:4D but they did have a lower right − left 2D:4D difference than second-choice players. Low right 2D:4D and low right − left 2D:4D difference were significantly linked with large numbers of tries. We conclude that low right 2D:4D and low right − left 2D:4D difference are predictors of high rugby performance.