The incidence and factors associated with concussion injuries in South African Youth Rugby Union

Abstract

Background: Rugby union is a sport characterized by frequent high impact collisions and therefore has a relatively high concussion risk. The incidence of concussion in South African youth rugby is largely unknown. Furthermore, there is limited evidence of which factors are associated with increased concussion risk in youth rugby. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the incidence of concussion and to identify potential risk factors of concussion within South African youth rugby players.