Injuries in amateur male and female rugby union

Rugby Union (RU) is a physically demanding team sport, and while comprehensive injury surveillance has been conducted in professional cohorts, there is little consensus regarding the incidence of injury in the amateur game. Aim: To establish and compare the incidence, nature and mechanism of injuries occurring in male and female amateur RU in Ireland. Methods: A systematic research strategy was undertaken, comprising; 1) A critical review of existing literature, 2) A national survey investigating injury monitoring practices in Irish amateur RU, 3) The design and development of a bespoke web-based surveillance system, and 4) An investigation into injury incidence and aetiology in amateur RU. Results: A pooled incidence rate of 46.8/1,000 player hours was calculated from six previously published epidemiological studies. Injury monitoring in Irish amateur RU varied widely and lacked a systematic approach, therefore a comprehensive surveillance system was designed and developed. Injury data were recorded from 25 male teams (959 players; 38±8 players/team) and eight female teams (234 players; 29±13 players/team) over two seasons. Females had a lower match injury incidence rate compared to males (35.6/1,000 player hours versus 49.1/1,000 player hours). Concussion and ankle sprains were the most common diagnoses. A high rate of injuries occurred in the first three months of the season, with females sustaining more strains and sprains, and males sustaining more fractures and dislocations during this period. Females had a high injury incidence in the second match quarter, whereas males had the highest injury occurrence in the third quarter. Conclusion: These findings add to the existing literature on injury surveillance strategies and injury in RU. Ultimately, this thesis serves to inform future injury reduction strategies and enhance player welfare and safet