Timing of contact and non-contact injuries across a season in amateur rugby: implications for injury prevention and return to play

Abstract

Introduction: Injury risk may vary throughout the playing season. The rapid increase in exposure to matches or contact at the start of a season may increase injury risk; conversely, accumulation of training and match stress may increase risk towards the end of a season. The timing of injuries throughout the playing season has rarely been studied, with no identified studies on injury timing in amateur rugby players, where the majority of participation occurs. Understanding patterns in injury risk may assist in planning graded exposure, training periodisation, and injury prevention strategies.