How do you think a top American football player shape in a top game of rugby?

Question

Would he be able to last for the two halves of 40 min without leaving the field of play

Answer 1

If your talking about rugby league then overall no. A rugby union player who came to rugby league was still struggling a few games later. An American footballer could finish a full game but he would be the exception to the rule, and he would be shattered. He would ideally need to play around ten or so games to get used to the stamina needed in a sport as tough as rugby league.

If he was used as a forward in rugby league then he would definately need to be rested during the game, however, most league forwards get rested at least once during a super league game anyway. If he played as a back (winger or centre for example) he would be able to last a full game probably after a few games. Saying that he would still need to understand how to play the game and this would take a lot longer to learn.