CurraNZ improves dynamic agility and sprint times in Rugby Union players

A new study¹ has shown that anthocyanin-rich CurraNZ can improve performance relating to dynamic speed and agility in Rugby Union players.

Study synopsis:

This study shows for the first time how blackcurrant can improve dynamic performance tasks, but not strength or power, in a series of rugby-specific tests. The findings also have implications for other team-based running sports such as football, hockey and basketball.

Thirteen University and Club-level Rugby Union players were assessed following a week’s supplementation of 600mg CurraNZ blackcurrant extract, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised crossover study design.

The male participants executed a running-based anaerobic sprint test, the Illinois Agility test, seated medicine ball (3kg) throw and hand grip strength task.

Findings showed that CurraNZ:

• Increased average 35m sprint time 1.7%
• 9 out of 13 participants improved their sprint times by an average of 3.3%*
• Improved agility on an average 1.6%
• 9 out 13 participants had improved agility by an average of 3.1%*
• Did not improve handgrip strength or medicine ball throw distance

*Data from personal communication with Professor Willems.

In repeated sprint tests, a performance improvement above 1.8% is considered a meaningful change. 

References

1. Effects of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extract on Rugby Union specific tests, JISSN, Florida, June 2022. P Burnett, M Willems.
2. Effect of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Performance during the Running Based Anaerobic Sprint Test in Trained Youth and Recreationally Active Male Football Players. C Godwin, Matthew D. Cook and Mark E. T. Willems. Sports 2017, 5(3), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports5030069
3. Effect of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on performance during the running based anaerobic sprint test in trained youth and recreationally active male football players. Sports 5, 69, 2017. doi:10.3390/sports5030069.