Rugby Union Research Articles

Exploring concussion prevalence, knowledge and reporting behaviours in women playing rugby union in the United Kingdom.

The aim of this study was to capture information regarding concussion prevalence, knowledge, and reporting behaviors in women rugby players across all competitive levels in the UK. We also investigated whether these outcomes were influenced by the prevailing concussion awareness programme (HEADCASE). Two hundred and thirty players from elite (Premiership), Championship, British Universities, and College Sport and club level completed (n = 133) or partially completed (n = 97) a mixed-methods online questionnaire. Over a mean period of 8 years, 159 players (74%) experienced at least one suspected or diagnosed rugby-related concussion. In total, 408 rugby-related concussions were reported in these players during this time. Prevalence of concussion did not differ across playing level or position. Being tackled was the most common cause of rugby-related concussions, and the act of tackling another player was second. Players across all levels demonstrated good knowledge of concussion symptoms, but only 12% identified that concussion can occur without direct impact to the head. One hundred and forty-six players completed the HEADCASE training (mandatory for Premiership players). Forty-one percent of players admitted to deliberately failing to report a suspected rugby concussion, and this behavior was not influenced by HEADCASE training. These individuals were more likely to avoid reporting a suspected concussion during an important (e.g. semifinal or final) than unimportant (e.g. training) scenario. Those who underwent the graduated return to play pathway (n = 41) were significantly more likely to have completed HEADCASE training. The prevalence of concussion in women's rugby union is high but does not differ by playing level or position. All players had a good knowledge of concussion symptoms, but many were unaware that concussions may occur without direct impact to the head. Almost half of all players admitted to deliberately failing to report a suspected concussion, and this was not significantly influenced by the completion of HEADCASE training.

Assessment of an eye-tracking tool to discriminate between concussed and not concussed professional male rugby players: a cohort study.

Concussion is a common injury in rugby union ('rugby') and yet its diagnosis is reliant on clinical judgment. Oculomotor testing could provide an objective measure to assist with concussion diagnosis. NeuroFlex® evaluates oculomotor function using a virtual-reality headset. This study examined differences in NeuroFlex® performance in clinician-diagnosed concussed and not concussed elite male rugby players over three seasons. NeuroFlex® testing was completed alongside 140 head injury assessments (HIAs) in 122 players. The HIA is used for suspected concussion events. Of these 140 HIAs, 100 were eventually diagnosed as concussed, 38 were not concussed (2 were unclear) Eight of the 61 NeuroFlex® metrics were analyzed as they were comparable at all time points. These eight metrics, from three oculomotor domains (vestibulo-ocular reflex, smooth pursuit and saccades), were tested for their ability to distinguish between concussed and not concussed players using mean difference/odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI's). General and generalized linear mixed models, accounting for baseline test performance, were used to determine any meaningful differences in concussed and not concussed players. The diagnostic accuracy of these differences was provided by the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). Only one of the eight metrics (number of saccades, smooth pursuit domain) had clear differences in performance between concussed and not concussed players at the HIA during the match (odds ratio: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.54-0.98) and after 48 hours (0.74, 95%CI: 0.52-0.96). However, the direction of this difference was contrary to clinical expectations (concussed performed better than not concussed) and the AUC for this outcome was also poor (0.52). In conclusion, NeuroFlex® was unable to distinguish between concussed and not concussed players in this elite male cohort. Future research could study other cohorts, later time points before return to play, and the tool's role in rehabilitation.

An investigation into the relationships between technical collision behaviours and physical characteristics in world-class, international female rugby players.

This study first investigated how the probability of winning collision events is affected by technical characteristics among world-class, international female rugby union players, and second, whether enhanced performance of these technical characteristics was related to physical attributes. Carry and tackle events from 16 international matches played by a top-two world ranking team were coded according to technical characteristics and performance outcomes. Binary classification tree models revealed that carry performance was successfully predicted (p < 0.01) by combinations of the variables: carrier velocity at the line, change of direction and straightening angle, leg drive, body mass and system mass (carrier combined with assistance from team-mate(s)). Tackle performance was predicted by combinations of the variables: initial line-speed, tackle direction, tackle type, collision zone entry, body mass, system mass, arm use and leg drive. Cumulative link mixed effects models subsequently revealed that performance increases of ~2% in single-leg isometric squat, counter-movement jump, bench press, single-leg drop jump, 10 m acceleration momentum and velocity, and skinfolds and body mass; were associated with increasing and decreasing likelihoods of superior technical performance, depending on the investigated variable. These findings may increase the precision of practices, physical training and assessment methods, among elite-standard female rugby union players.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Sport-Related Concussion in Female Youth Athletes Participating in Contact and Collision Invasion Sports: A Systematic Review.

The incidence and risk factors for sport-related concussion (SRC) associated with contact and collision invasion sports (CCIS) in female youth are unclear. This systematic review aimed to identify (i) the incidence of and (ii) risk factors for SRC in female youth athletes playing CCIS. A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, SPORTDiscus and ProQuest to 8 May, 2024 was conducted. Two reviewers independently screened articles against eligibility criteria and assessed risk of bias (Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool). Aetiological or intervention studies reporting on SRC incidence or risk factors in female youth athletes (aged 13-19years and under) participating in CCIS were included. Meta-analyses were conducted to explore SRC incidence and risk factors. For each meta-analysis of SRC incidence rate, sub-group analyses were conducted by sport. Where heterogeneity was above 60% for the meta-analysis of SRC risk/protective factors, sensitivity analyses were conducted. The search yielded 4509 articles; 66 were included. Sport-related concussion incidence or risk factor data for nine CCIS were extracted. Pooled estimates revealed SRC incidence for female youth athletes in CCIS combined was 0.50/1000 match and practice hours (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34-0.66). When examined by sport classification, SRC incidence in contact invasion sports was 0.12/1000 match and practice hours (95% CI 0.03-0.21), and in collision invasion sports was 2.08/1000 match and practice hours (95% CI 0.90-3.25). Sub-group analysis by individual sport revealed female youth soccer players had the highest overall SRC incidence rate (0.89/1000 match and practice hours, 95% CI - 0.19 to 1.97) amongst contact sports, and rugby union players had the highest overall SRC incidence rate (4.04/1000 match and practice hours, 95% CI 3.03-5.05) among collision sports. Forty-five studies (68%) reported SRC risk factor data, investigating 12 different potential risk factors. Female youth sustained over 7.5 times the rate of SRC in matches compared with practice (incidence rate ratio 7.52, 95% CI 6.32-8.95, p < 0.01) when competing in CCIS; however, considerable heterogeneity existed (I2 = 84.98%). When exploring potential risk factors, no significant difference was found in SRC rate between female youth lacrosse players wearing versus not wearing headgear (p = 0.07). No significant difference was found in SRC rates between female youth athletes competing in younger versus older age groups (incidence rate ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.52-1.61, p = 0.48, I2 = 0.00%). Insufficient evidence was available to examine remaining risk factors. This meta-analysis revealed SRC in female youth playing CCIS was higher than previously reported, with SRC rates higher in matches than practice. Soccer had the highest SRC incidence rate for female youth athletes competing in contact invasion sports, whilst rugby union demonstrated the highest SRC incidence rates for collision invasion sports. The results of this review should be interpreted with caution given the lack of representation from some common CCIS codes. Further research is required to examine SRC risk factors in female youth athletes participating in CCIS. OSF Registration: osf.io/s573v.

Establishing reliable acceleration-speed profiles: Minimum data requirements in rugby union matches

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the minimum playing time in matches required to produce reliable acceleration – speed (AS) profiles from global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data. The playing time of 25 professional rugby union players was recorded using GNSS technology and segmented into four sections from 40, 80, 120 and 160 minutes of play. For each interval, the impact of integrating new match data on the AS profile was assessed, aiming to identify the saturation point where additional data did not induce significant changes in the profile outputs. A repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were applied to examine the variations of AS profile between time intervals. This led to identify the saturation point for assessing “robust” values of theoretical maximum acceleration (A0) and maximum speed (S0). A substantial lack of significant effect was observed for A0 (p = 1.00) and S0 (p = 0.99) in the section of 160 minutes, with an intra-subject variability of 1.50 and 1.20% for A0 and S0, respectively. Determining AS profiles for rugby players is essential for monitoring performance in training and match contexts. Our findings indicate that an equivalent of two full rugby union matches is required to generate a reliable AS profile.

‘Mental heAlth and well-being in rUgby pLayers’ (MAUL) study: an online survey of diverse cohorts of rugby union players internationally

IntroductionMental health and well-being is a relatively under-researched area in rugby, especially outside the elite men’s game. Evidence suggests that physical activity and sports benefit mental health and well-being, and...

Maximum Isometric Hip Adduction Squeeze and Abduction Press Strength Values in Men's Rugby Union Players at Select Timepoints Throughout a Competitive Season.

O' Connor, C, Mc Intyre, M, Delahunt, E, and Thorborg, K. Maximum isometric hip adduction squeeze and abduction press strength values in men's rugby union players at select timepoints throughout a competitive season. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The purpose of this research was to report hip adduction and abduction strength values in men's rugby union players at select timepoints throughout a competitive season and to examine if differences exist between time of season and hip-testing positions. This cross-sectional repeated measures study design consisted of 15 male rugby union players competing at senior club level. Maximum isometric hip adduction and abduction strength were measured using a ForceFrame in 3 testing positions at specific timepoints: start of preseason (T1), start of competitive season (T2), mid-season period 1 (T3), and mid-season period 2 (T4). At group level, hip adduction strength (N·kg-1) increased from T1 to T2 in all testing positions, with significant increases observed in the 0° hip-flexion short-lever position (p = 0.048), and 45° hip-flexion position (p = 0.032). No significant changes occurred in hip abduction strength (N·kg-1). Hip adduction:abduction strength ratio increased from T1 to T2, with a significant increase observed in the 0° hip-flexion short-lever position (p = 0.008). At individual level, large variations from baseline strength (N·kg-1) were observed between timepoints for hip adduction strength, abduction strength, and adduction:abduction strength ratio. In conclusion, the present study shows increases in hip adduction strength and hip adduction:abduction strength ratio from the start of preseason to the beginning of the competitive season, with no other significant changes in hip strength observed throughout the season. Individual and frequent hip strength monitoring throughout the season and a more individualized exercise prescription approach may be needed for rugby union players, in addition to a more generalized focus on improving adductor and abductor strength.

Head Kinematics Associated with Off-Field Head Injury Assessment (HIA1) Events in a Season of English Elite-Level Club Men's and Women's Rugby Union Matches.

The purpose of this study was to investigate head kinematic variables in elite men's and women's rugby union and their ability to predict player removal for an off-field (HIA1) head injury assessment. Instrumented mouthguard (iMG) data were collected for 250 men and 132 women from 1865 and 807 player-matches, respectively, and synchronised to video-coded match footage. Head peak resultant linear acceleration (PLA), peak resultant angular acceleration (PAA) and peak change in angular velocity (dPAV) were extracted from each head acceleration event (HAE). HAEs were linked to documented HIA1 events, with ten logistical regression models for men and women, using a random subset of non-case HAEs, calculated to identify kinematic variables associated with HIA1 events. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were used to describe thresholds for HIA1 removal. Increases in PLA and dPAV were significantly associated with an increasing likelihood of HIA1 removal in the men's game, with an OR ranging from 1.05-1.12 and 1.13-1.18, respectively. The optimal values to maximise for both sensitivity and specificity for detecting an HIA1 were 1.96krad⋅s-2, 24.29 g and 14.75 rad⋅s-1 for PAA, PLA and dPAV, respectively. Only one model had any significant variable associated with increasing the likelihood of a HIA1 removal in the women's game-PAA with an OR of 8.51 (1.23-58.66). The optimal values for sensitivity and specificity for women were 2.01 krad⋅s-2, 25.98 g and 15.38rad⋅s-1 for PAA, PLA and dPAV, respectively. PLA and dPAV were predictive of men's HIA1 events. Further HIA1 data are needed to understand the role of head kinematic variables in the women's game. The calculated spectrum of sensitivity and specificity of iMG alerts for HIA1 removals in men and women present a starting point for further discussion about using iMGs as an additional trigger in the existing HIA process.

Analysis of GPS and collision metrics during ball in play to identify positional key performance indicators and their prediction on game outcome in professional rugby union.

Analysis of GPS and collision metrics during ball in play to identify positional key performance indicators and their prediction on game outcome in professional rugby union.

To jog or to stride: A comparison between two standardised running tests to monitor neuromuscular status in team sport athletes

ABSTRACT This study investigated: 1) monitoring post-match neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) status in rugby union players using two submaximal running tests (SRT); and 2) the sensitivity of each SRT to locomotor variables obtained during match-play. Twenty-three male rugby players (age: 21.0 ± 1.3 years; height: 185.2 ± 6.1 cm; body mass; 97.3 ± 10.3 kg) were monitored across one season (n = 71 player-match and 159 fatigue-players-testing observations). Two different SRTs (SRT-jog [5-minute shuttle run protocol] and SRT-stride [a repeat stride effort protocol]) were used to characterise post-match NMF, with measures taken two days prior to match day (baseline), on MD + 1, and MD + 2. Linear mixed models (±90% CIs) were used to explore differences between measures and match-play locomotor variables. SRT-jog presented a meaningful increase following MD + 1 (ES: 0.63 [0.37 to 0.89]). SRT-Stride showed small increases at MD + 1 (ES: 0.24 [0.02 to 0.49]) and MD + 2 (ES: 0.33 [0.07 to 0.59]) suggesting a potential impairment in running mechanics. SRT-stride was significantly associated with total distance (ES: 0.41 [−0.01 to 0.83]) and collisions (ES: 0.58 [0.18 to 0.99]). While both tests presented small to moderate changes post-match, only the SRT-stride was related to match locomotor variables. Therefore, the SRT-stride may be a more sensitive monitoring tool for monitoring NMF in rugby union players.

No Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Following a Single Set of Plyometric or Flywheel Exercises in National Team Rugby Players

Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) is a key objective following regular warm-up routines, especially in sports that rely heavily on sprinting speed and power. Rugby is a team sport characterized by a range of repeated high-intensity efforts, irrespective of positional roles or match demands. In this study, we examined and compared the effects of two different conditioning activities (CAs) on the power- and speed-related abilities of National Team rugby players. Thirteen male rugby union players sequentially performed countermovement jump (CMJ), 30 m sprint, and change-of-direction (COD) tests (pre-testing session) 5 min before executing either one set of six repetitions of 45 cm drop jumps or one set of six repetitions of flywheel eccentric-overload squats. In addition to the sport-specific tests, the muscle mechanical properties of the athletes were also assessed through the use of tensiomyography (TMG). At post-testing sessions conducted 5 and 10 min after the PAPE protocols, no significant changes were observed in any of the assessed variables, either in positions as backs or forwards. However, some meaningful variations were detected at the individual level when using the “true-changes” analysis. Despite some positive individual changes, it can be concluded that these specific protocols did not elicit the expected responses typically observed in other team-sport athletes. Practitioners are encouraged to implement more comprehensive (but not exhaustive) and tailored PAPE interventions prior to training sessions and competitions.

Twenty year analysis of professional men’s rugby union knee injuries from the English premiership shows high rates and burden

ObjectivesTo determine the rates, severity and burden of knee injuries in professional male rugby union from the English Premiership.MethodsInjury and exposure data were captured over 20 seasons using a prospective...

Coach perspectives on coach-athlete relationships and characteristics of Generation Z academy level rugby union players from South Africa.

The coach-athlete relationship is not merely a by-product of the coaching process but serves as its foundation. Coaches today must align their approaches with the characteristics (character, strengths, and growth areas) of a new generation of athletes, commonly referred to as Generation Z (Gen Z). Born between 1995 and 2012, Gen Z's grew up in a digital age, which shaped their character and behaviour. The purpose of the study was to explore coach-athlete relationships, the characteristics of Gen Z athletes that influence this relationship, and the process of building healthy coach-athlete relationships, from the perspectives of coaches. The study used a qualitative methodology to elicit the perspectives of 11 male rugby union coaches (M ± SD age: 42.09 ± 7.56 years; with 12.83 ± 3.48 years of coaching experience), through semi-structured individual online interviews. We developed the interview script from Jowett's Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q). The interviews were analysed using Merriam and Tisdell's six-step process. The analysis yielded six super themes (and 17 themes). 1. Coach perspectives on coaching Gen Z players (developmental facilitators and debilitators, Covid-19's effect on development). 2. Closeness between coaches and athletes [loving and caring, getting closer, trusting, (not) respecting some players]. 3. Commitment (personally and towards the team, sacrifices). 4. Complementarity (goal setting, collectively working towards common goals). 5. Co-orientation (communicating, reciprocal relationship views). 6. Developing the coach-athlete relationship (approaches thereto, practical steps). Various facets of the coach-athlete relationship are interlinked and shaped by the characteristics and behaviours of this generation of athletes. Practical recommendations are offered on how to cultivate the coach-athlete relationship on emotional, cognitive, and behavioural levels.

Mental toughness: state or trait? Context and sporting performance in rugby union, a longitudinal study

Mental toughness is a concept that has been considered a critical feature of sporting success. However, there are still conceptual issues related to its traitness and its relationship with sporting performance that remain unresolved. Consequently, the objective of this research is to contrast empirically whether the eventual changes in MT and its relationships with competition phases and sporting performance can sustain the notion of MT as a state or a trait. A longitudinal study included 12 male Chilean rugby players, aged 18-33 years, which regularly competed at the highest national level. The results indicated that there are no significant differences in mental toughness between the four measurements taken in the study and that the competitive phase did not predict mental toughness properties enduring across contexts and time. In addition, the data showed that mental toughness is an important predictor of relevant behavioural variables and sporting performance.

Tackle characteristics associated with suspected concussion in female varsity rugby union: a case-control video analysis study

ABSTRACT The tackle is the most frequent and injurious event in rugby union. Tackle-related risk factors for concussion are identified in elite men, but may differ for women. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between tackle characteristics and suspected concussion-related vs. non-injurious tackle events in Canadian female varsity rugby. Nacsport software was used to code 325 tackle events (46 suspected-concussion, 279 non-concussion). A penalised logistic regression with cluster-robust standard errors was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) [95% confidence intervals (95% CI)]. Ball-carrier concussion was associated with a head contact intensity of 2/4 (OR 6.5, 95% CI 1.3–31.6) and 3–4/4 (OR 48.5, 95% CI 12.1–193.7), illegal tackle (OR = 13.4, 95% CI 2.9–61.0), tap tackle (OR = 6.2, 95% CI 2.0–19.7), and down pre-contact head position (OR = 4.0, 95% CI 1.1–14.8). Tackler concussion was associated with 3 tacklers in the event (OR = 7.0, 95% CI 1.4–36.1), tap tackle (OR = 15.0, 95% CI 1.6–138.3), head contact intensity of 3–4/4 (OR = 30.6, 95% CI 5.6–168.1), and away pre-contact head position (OR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.1–7.8). Interventions aiming to reduce head impacts are needed in female rugby. Future directions should evaluate sex-related tackle characteristic differences.

Survival and longevity among male Australian elite athletes: A retrospective cohort study.

To quantify and compare survival and longevity in three populations of male Australian elite athletes, relative to sex- and age-matched referents from the general population. Retrospective cohort study. This study comprised a census of three populations of male Australian elite athletes (i.e. N = 10,502 Australian Football League players, N = 803 national team rugby union players, and N = 1527 Olympic athletes) who debuted from 1-JAN-1921 to 31-DEC-2023. Nonparametric relative survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier estimator to generate survival curves, the Pohar Perme method and a log-rank type test to estimate and compare net survival, and the life years difference measure to estimate longevity gains or losses. Olympic athletes had a continuous gain in net survival post-debut, with an average life years difference of 3.40 (95 % confidence interval 2.30 to 4.49) years at the maximum follow-up time. Australian football and rugby union players initially had modest gains in net survival post-debut, followed by a gradual decline in net survival, with average life years differences of 0.31 (95 % confidence interval -0.03 to 0.65) and -0.67 (95 % confidence interval -1.87 to 0.53) years at the maximum follow-up time, respectively. Net survival was significantly different across the three cohorts (test statistic 21.8; degrees of freedom = 2; p < 0.001). Expected survival benefits were offset in elite male Australian football and rugby union players. Further research examining cause-specific mortality is warranted to elucidate the underlying reasons for the observed lack of expected survival benefit in Australian football and rugby union players.

Experiences of a controlled early exercise intervention following a sport-related concussion: A qualitative study of rugby union student-athletes

BackgroundEarly aerobic exercise is associated with improved outcomes following recovery from sport-related concussion (SRC) and is now recommended in guidance for clinicians managing athletes return-to-play. ObjectivesTo explore student-athlete experiences of a novel early aerobic exercise intervention. DesignQualitative study using semi-structured interviews. SettingLoughborough University, UK. ParticipantsTen rugby union university aged student-athletes (6 men) that had been medically diagnosed with an SRC sustained playing rugby. ResultsThree themes divided into eight supporting subthemes were generated. Main findings were: 1) Experience: despite some apprehension over the novel approach, most had a positive experience, 2) Adherence: Participants suggested reasonably good overall adherence to the prescribed exercises but intrinsic and extrinsic factors for non-adherence were identified, 3) Outcomes: the intervention was perceived to help rehabilitation, improve confidence, support retention of athletic identity and, for some, influenced more cautious attitudes toward brain health. ConclusionsThe novel early exercise intervention was reasonably well received and adhered to. Unintended benefits included supporting retainment of athletic identity and encouraging precautious health behaviours. As early exercise protocols are refined, these findings will help inform the design and delivery of future interventions, particularly in relation to intensity and diversity of exercises and supporting education.

Training and Match-Related Head Acceleration Events in Top Level Domestic Senior Women's and Men's Rugby Union: A Multi-League Instrumented Mouthguard Study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in head acceleration event (HAE) incidence between training and match-play in women's and men's players competing at the highest level of domestic rugby union globally. Players from Women's (Premiership Women's Rugby, Farah Palmer Cup) and Men's (Premiership Rugby, Currie Cup) rugby union competitions wore instrumented mouthguards during matches and training sessions during the 2022/2023 seasons. Peak linear (PLA) and angular (PAA) acceleration were calculated from each HAE and included within generalized linear mixed-effects models. The incidence of HAEs was significantly greater in match-play compared to training for all magnitude thresholds in both forwards and backs, despite players spending approximately 1.75-2.5 times more time in training. For all HAEs (PLA > 5 g and PAA > 400 rad/s2), incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for match versus training ranged from 2.80 (95% CI: 2.38-3.30; men's forwards) to 4.00 (3.31-4.84; women's forwards). At higher magnitude thresholds (PLA > 25 g; PAA > 2000 rad/s2), IRRs ranged from 3.64 (2.02-6.55; PAA > 2000 rad/s2 in men's backs) to 11.70 (6.50-21.08; PAA > 2000 rad/s2 in women's forwards). Similar trends were observed in each competition. Players experienced significantly more HAEs during match-play than training, particularly at higher magnitude thresholds. Where feasible, HAE mitigation strategies may have more scope for HAE reduction if targeted at match-play, particularly where higher magnitude HAEs are the primary concern. However, the number of HAEs associated with different training drills requires exploration to understand if HAEs can be reduced in training, alongside optimizing match performance (e.g., enhancing contact technique).

Epidemiology of craniofacial and spinal injuries in French Rugby union: A report including medical, social, and professional consequences

ObjectivesFirst, to investigate the medico-socio-professional repercussions of non-fatal cranioencephalic and spinal injuries occurring across all levels of play in male and female Rugby Union in France. Second, to determine whether an association existed between the severity of injuries and the circumstances of their occurrence and/or the profiles of the injured players. Third, to gather new epidemiological data regarding the severity and long-term consequences of these injuries in the sport. DesignNational retrospective observational open cohort study conducted using medical expertise files on all injuries registered by the insurer affiliated to the French Rugby Federation. MethodsWe analysed the medical reports of spinal, craniofacial or radicular trauma occurred from 26/08/2011 to 31/01/2018. Data relating to the severity and the circumstances of the injury, and its medical and socio-professional consequences (e.g., ability of players to continue playing rugby and/or professional/scholastic activity, receiving or not financial compensation) were extracted. Results199 cases were identified. The overall incidence rate of injuries was 10.57/100,000 person-years. The median PMI value after consolidation was 6 %. Five cases had a PMI value equivalent or higher than 50 %. 85 % of players were able to return to work/studies whilst 47 % returned to rugby overall. Injury severity did not differ between age groups, genders, performance levels, training/match-play or according to the game situation. ConclusionsAlthough rare, craniofacial and spinal injuries in rugby can leave sequelae with substantial repercussions on personal, professional/scholastic and sporting life. Further research into their potential causes and targeted prevention strategies is warranted.

Breast injuries and breast protective equipment in Australian Women’s Rugby union

Breast injuries and breast protective equipment in Australian Women’s Rugby union