May 2023 Archive – Are NFL Players Faster Than Rugby Players?

Fans love to argue who’s quicker on the field – NFL stars or rugby warriors. Both sports demand speed, but the way they train and use it is pretty different. In this post we break down the main reasons why NFL players might look faster in a sprint, and why rugby players need a different kind of pace that lasts the whole game.

How the Two Sports Train for Speed

In the NFL, training focuses a lot on short bursts of explosive power. Players do a lot of sprint drills, plyometrics, and weight work that builds fast‑twitch muscle fibers. The goal is to hit a 40‑yard dash in under five seconds, so every practice rep tries to shave off a fraction of a second. Rugby training, on the other hand, mixes those explosive drills with endurance runs. A rugby player might do repeated 30‑meter sprints, but they also spend time on longer runs to keep a solid pace for 80 minutes of play.

Because of that mix, rugby athletes develop a balance between speed and stamina. They need to be quick off the mark for a break, but also have the legs to chase a ball after a tackle. NFL players can afford to focus almost entirely on that first 10‑second burst because the plays end quickly.

What the Numbers Actually Show

When you look at raw sprint times, NFL players often come out on top. The average 40‑yard dash time for a wide receiver is around 4.4 seconds, while a top rugby winger might hit a 30‑meter dash in about 3.8 seconds – which translates to a slower 40‑yard time when you calculate it. However, rugby stats also include repeated sprint ability. Studies on elite rugby players show they can maintain near‑max speed for longer intervals than most NFL players.

Another key metric is acceleration. NFL athletes typically have a higher initial acceleration because their training hones that first‑step explosiveness. Rugby players, while slightly slower off the line, often have better top‑end speed over a longer distance, thanks to the need to cover more ground during a match.

So the answer isn’t a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ It depends on what part of speed you’re measuring – the quick burst or the sustained run.

Bottom line: NFL players generally win the sprint‑only contests, while rugby players excel when the test includes endurance and repeated effort. Both groups are incredibly fast in their own right, and the differences come down to the demands of their sports. Keep an eye on future matchups and you’ll see each side’s speed shining in the right context.