Rugby: Beware of March Injuries!

Tacklers and ball carriers in rugby are at greater risk of tackle-related injury in the later quarters of the match, according to Sharief Hendricks, Ph.D., of the Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa and the Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure at Leeds Beckett University in Leeds, United Kingdom and colleagues in the February 2017 issue of The American Journal of Sports Medicine.

In this epidemiological study, Hendricks and colleagues used an injury database and video footage of tackle-related injuries in South African Youth Rugby Union matches at the under-18 Craven Week rugby tournament to assess possible risk factors. Events were coded as pre-contact, contact and post-contact.

According to the data, compared to the first quarter, risk of injury for tacklers was higher in the fourth quarter (RRR = 6.97; p = .010), while for ball carriers the greatest risks were during the third (RRR =9.7; p = .010) and fourth quarters (RRR = 9.63; p = .006). In addition, tacklers were more likely to be injured during an arm-only tackle than during a shoulder tackle. Injury was also less likely when the initial contact was made with the tackler’s shoulder/arm instead of his head/neck. Ball carriers were also less likely to be injured if they saw the contact coming ahead of time.

Overall the relative risk of tackle-related injury was higher later in the match and incorrect technique may play a role. The researchers recommend implementing recover strategies between matches as well as improving the technique and conditioning levels of the rugby players.

They concluded, “These findings may assist stakeholders in youth rugby to formulate injury prevention strategies and may improve the preparation of field-side medical staff for managing tackle-related injuries at these or similar tournaments.”