## 4 Discussion  
The current study aimed to identify the differences in anthropometric and performance characteristics between elite and sub-elite hurling players with respect to position and level of play. The study is the first to provide a comparative view of the performance profiles across both elite and sub-elite levels of play. The main findings of the investigation show that elite hurlers have significantly greater Yo-Yo IRT1 performance compared to the sub-elite hurlers across all positions. Additionally, across all positions, elite hurlers were shown to have significantly greater jump performance, peak power and relative peak power compared to the sub-elite. Furthermore, at the elite level, players had a significantly lower sum of seven skinfolds across all positions, with the elite hurlers also having a significantly lower %AT and greater FFM at half-back, half-forward and full-forward compared to the sub-elite. Fewer differences were reported when acceleration profiles were considered, where elite half-backs performed significantly better across 5 m. 10 m and 20 m distances compared to the sub-elite. Finally, elite half-backs were heavier than their sub-elite counterparts while no differences between levels were reported for height. In line with previous work at the elite level, no positional differences were observed across all anthropometric characteristics [10]. In contrast to this work, we observed no significant differences when performance characteristics were considered. The current investigation is the first to provide normative data for performance profiles of the sub-elite level (Table 1). It is important to consider the differences at an organizational level between elite and sub-elite hurling and how these differences may contribute to the significant variations of anthropometric and performance characteristics. It is widely recognized that at the elite-level preparatory measures for respective squads border professional levels, while at the sub-elite level, an amateur ethos remains inherent [7,8]. Backroom and performance staff at the elite level routinely consist of a team manager, several selectors, a skills coach, qualified nutritionist, sports scientist, strength and conditioning coach, and additional support staff to prepare players for competition [7,8]. At the sub-elite level, coherent implementation of strength and conditioning, sports science and nutritional support has yet to be achieved, due in part to the financial disparity between levels [6]. The consistent support of preparatory programming leads to a more robust and powerful athlete [6]. Figure 1: Yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1) distance (m) across hurlers with respect to position and level of play. Data presented as mean \(\pm\) standard deviation (SD). Significantly greater than sub-elite at respective positions = * (\(p<0.05\)), ** (\(p<0.001\)). At elite-level, this dose of coherent strength training is provided on a consistent training program with players who have represented elite teams for a number of years likely to have a superior baseline training status compared to the typical sub-elite player profile. In contrast, at the sub-elite level, it is considered that training prescription and adaptation are not being maximized to the same extent. Superior jump performance, lower limb power, and acceleration profiles are all evident within this study, with strength and power training a likely contributor to this development. Furthermore, at the elite level, most teams employ a qualified nutritionist to provide educational advice surrounding food intake, hydration strategies and fuel for recovery at a personal and team level. Seasonal monitoring of body composition is common [28; 29], with significant efforts to improve anthropometric profiles in relation to post-training food and players' weekly meal considerations applied by team nutritionists.