Test | Is a jockey fitter than a rugby player?

Who comes out on top?

A recent study took place at Liverpool John Moores University to compare the physical attributes of double Grand National-winning jockey Leighton Aspell and Premiership Rugby’s record try scorer and Bristol Rugby Club player Tom Vardell.

You don’t often find a Grand National-winning jockey and Premiership rugby player competing against each other, but Liverpool John Moores University opened its doors and put the two highly competitive athletes through their paces. Under the guidance of Dr George Wilson – a leading sport scientist – the athletes embarked on four physically demanding challenges that tested their aerobic fitness, power and isometric strength. Tests included a VO2 Max test, a vertical power jump, a plank and a wall squat.