Injury Profile In Us Men'S University Rugby-7s Players: A Six-Year Analysis

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine injury incidence, causes, and types of match injuries among male university-level players. METHODS: A prospective epidemiological study of men’s university players in USA Rugby 7-a-side championships and USA Rugby-sanctioned events (2011-2016). Injury data (injuries/1000 playing hours (ph)) were collected using the Rugby Injury Survey & Evaluation report methodology, following the rugby consensus statement. RESULTS: Injury incidence was 96.0/1000 ph (n = 236; time-loss = 34.6/1000 ph; medical attention = 52.9/1000 ph; P < 0.01). A majority of total injuries were categorized as new (71.2%) compared to recurrent (24.6%; Incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.9; P < 0.01). The most common injuries were ligament sprains (25.8%) and muscle injuries (13.6%). Among time-loss injuries, concussions (22.4%), fractures (17.6%), and joint dislocations (17.6%) were most common. Among recurrent injuries, ligament sprains (29.3%) and joint dislocations (20.7%) were most common. Incidence of time-loss injuries did not vary by position (backs = 33.5/1000 ph, forwards = 23.7/1000 ph; P = 0.16). Most time-loss injuries had acute (89.4%) compared to gradual onset (10.6%; IRR = 8.4; P < 0.01). Time-loss injuries resulting in immediate removal from play had higher incidence than those with delayed removal (P < 0.01). The tackle was most frequently involved in injury (65.7%, n = 155), and injury incidence was higher in the second half than the first (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Given the growth of rugby at U.S. universities, insight on injuries would benefit university and private healthcare providers. Concussions and ligament sprains were the highest proportion among time-loss and recurrent injuries, respectively. To reduce ligament injuries, programs should have increased proprioceptive and agility training alongside adherence to return-to-sport protocols. To mitigate the incidence of concussions, specific injury prevention measures should be employed during training, such as tackle execution and break-falls, to avoid direct and indirect head impacts. Focused conditioning programs would help reduce injury from fatigue during the second half. Grants: USAR’s Empire/New England RFUs & HSS-ISMR (ID 2028), National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (44-16).