Entwistle, IFrancis, PLees, MHume, PHind, K2022-08-032022-08-032022-06-292022-06-29International Journal of Sports Medicine, DOI: 10.1055/a-1854-00521439-3964https://hdl.handle.net/10292/15338Although athletes from sports such as rugby have greater lean mass and strength during their playing careers, little is known about these characteristics post-retirement. Therefore, this study investigated lean mass, strength, and muscle quality in retired elite and amateur rugby players and non-contact athletes. Retired elite male rugby players (n=42, 43.9±10.3 y; 101.1±13.4 kg; 1.82±0.09 m), amateur rugby players (n=46, 48.0±10.5 y; 98.9±16.6 kg; 1.79±0.07 m) and non-contact athletes (n=30, 51.3±12.5 y; 91.3±13.4 kg; 1.79±0.07 m) received one total body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry assessment of appendicular lean mass (ALM) and ALM index (ALMI). Grip strength was measured, and muscle quality (grip strength/unit of arm lean mass) was calculated. Sarcopenia was identified as ALMI<7.23 kg/m2 and handgrip strength<37.2 kg. Total lean mass, ALM and grip strength were greater in the elite rugby compared to amateur rugby and non-contact groups (p<0.01). There were no significant differences in muscle quality or sarcopenia prevalence. Retired elite rugby players had greater lean mass and grip strength than amateur rugby and non-contact athletes, although muscle quality was similar. The greater lean mass and strength might reflect genetic influences or previous participation in a highly physical sport.Georg Thieme Verlag KG and the publishers that belong to the publishing group (the “Thieme Publishing Group”) allow authors to archive their journal articles under the following terms and conditions. No earlier than 12 months after the article was first published whether it was published online at www.thieme-connect.com, in some other Thieme produced electronic form, or in a print journal published by Thieme Publishing Group, authors may make the Accepted Version of their manuscript, including Supplemental Data, available on a non-commercial academic Institutional Repository.Former athletes; Retirement; Sport; Ageing; Muscle; Strength; SarcopeniaJournal ArticleOpenAccess10.1055/a-1854-0052