An Epidemiological Injury Profile Of Sub-elite U.S. Rugby-7s (USA Rugby National Club Championships)

Abstract

PURPOSE: There is a lack of injury data on the collision sport of U.S. Rugby-7s, which hinders development of evidence-based injury prevention protocols. The aim was to determine match injury incidence and risk factors at the highest level of amateur U.S. Rugby-7s. METHODS: This was a prospective epidemiology study of sub-elite U.S. Rugby-7s players (960 men, 888 women) representing competitive regions at the USA Rugby National Club 7-a-side Championships (including four, two-day tournaments over 2011-2014). Incidence (per 1000 player-hour (ph)) and biomechanism of injuries were captured via the Rugby Injury Survey & Evaluation (RISE) Report methodology. RESULTS: Overall injuries were found at 205.3/1000 ph (n=244) (time-loss 59.7/1000 ph, n=71; medical attention 142.2/1000 ph, n=169; P<0.001). Among backs, males (n=26; 74.3/1000ph) encountered more time-loss injuries than females (n=13; 49.5/1000 ph; P=0.063). Most injuries were acute (95%) and occurred during the tackle (73%). Shoulder tackles resulted in the most match injuries (61%). Recurrent time-loss injuries (21%) occurred frequently (backs 28%; forwards 8%; P=0.044). Main injuries were lower extremity ligament sprains (71%). Knee injuries occurred more frequently in females (18.4%) than males (3.1%; P<0.001). Head/neck time-loss injury rates (30%), occurred more often in males (41%) than females (11%; RR=1.5; P=0.002). The overall concussion rate in this population was 6.1% (12.6/1000ph). CONCLUSIONS: Understanding injury rates in U.S. sub-elite amateur competitors, which often make up the U.S. national candidate pool, provides fundamental level of play data, to guide injury prevention protocols to the U.S. rugby playing population. U.S. sub-elite players head/neck injury rates were found higher, than elite international male Rugby-7s (5%), Under-20 Rugby-15s (12%) and elite women Rugby-15s (26%). Education on tackling techniques are areas to consider to reduce the risk of head/neck injury rates, including concussions, which were higher in this U.S. tournament series cohort (12.6/1000ph) than elite international Rugby-7s (8.3/1000ph) or Rugby-15s (5.4/1000ph). Furthermore, education on return to play protocols and post-tournament injury care would decrease recurrent injury rates seen in the U.S. amateur population.