Abstract
As with any contact sport, rugby union has a high risk of injury. The majority of injuries result from contact phases of play such as the tackle, taking the ball into contact, the scrum, the lineout and the ruck and maul. Many techniques associated with a reduced risk of injury can be taught. The need for coaches to emphasise correct technique is extremely important and one of the few possible modes to reduce injuries, particularly non-fatal catastrophic injuries to the head, neck, brain and spine. This paper provides evidence of safe techniques during the contact phases of the game (tackling, taking the ball into contact, scrum setting and engagement, lineouts as well as rucks and mauls). Examples are also given to show that safe techniques often are the most effective techniques from a performance perspective.
Highlights
Rugby union is played in more than 100 countries across 5 continents by more than 3 million people between the age of 6 and 60.14,15 In South Africa, a reported total of 326 565 rugby players are currently participating in club and school rugby matches.[38]
The tackle situation has demonstrated the majority of injuries in South African schoolboy (55%)[33] and senior rugby players (40%),[3] the scrum carries a 60% greater risk per event.[6]
Head and non-fatal catastrophic neck injuries have been shown to range from 12% to 33% of all injuries.[1]
Summary
Rugby union is played in more than 100 countries across 5 continents by more than 3 million people between the age of 6 and 60.14,15 In South Africa, a reported total of 326 565 rugby players are currently participating in club and school rugby matches.[38]. When the ball-carrier was able to meet the tackler once he had crossed the advantage line, the ball was retained 67% of the time, compared with a ball retention rate of 44% when the advantage line was not reached.[22] As described for the tackler, the prevalence of injury is much greater to the player in the tackle situation with the lower momentum.[9] dominating the contact situation will once again emphasise the concept of safe technique being the most effective technique Evasion techniques such as oblique running and forward stepping will reduce the magnitude of the collision forces,[35] thereby decreasing the effectiveness of the tackle while making the ball-carry safer and very effective. Turning towards support in the tackle situation is a very significant action in retaining possession,[22,37] and protects the ball-carrier from injury caused by more defenders joining the tackle situation
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