RugbyRebels

It's a cliche as old as professional rugby, but does anyone still believe that props play their best rugby past 30? I personally feel that the improvements in strength and conditioning have almost made this notion obsolete. Has any high level prop really kicked on significantly from the age of 25 to 30 significantly?

I personally feel now it's the opposite, getting your good years of rugby in before the inevitable neck/knee/shoulder injuries which has seen so many careers stagnate.

I think it's still true to a fair degree. It's not about physical ability, but about learning all the tricks of the trade, and learning to adapt to them quickly. I suspect Cole is still chosen because he is so capable at defending a scrum against a wide range of opponents.

The peak years are probably 28-32. That combines experience, time at the coalface to develop technique and strength and the aerobic capacity to make a contribution in the loose.
Certainly props are breaking through a bit younger nowadays. It was rare to see anyone under 23 at the top level a few years back but that is changing. Its still a position that generally does take time to get to a required standard.

I think the props might be getting overshadowed by all the hookers suddenly becoming super mobile link players.
I remember the days when it was just that Italian bloke and Brits....but now they're all at it.