Journal articles: 'Rugby union impacts'

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Lokteff, Florent, Remy Canet, Saad Drissi, and Pierre Moretto. "Impacts characterisation in Rugby Union." Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering 23, sup1 (October 19, 2020): S175—S177. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10255842.2020.1813425.

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Reha, Tahere, Colm McNabb, Kevin Netto, Paul Davey, and Andrew P. Lavender. "Head Accelerations during a 1-on-1 Rugby Tackling Drill Performed by Experienced Rugby Union Players." Brain Sciences 11, no. 11 (November 12, 2021): 1497. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11111497.

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Rugby Union is a popular sport played by males and females worldwide, from junior to elite levels. The highly physical skill of tackling occurs every few seconds throughout a match and various injuries associated with tackling are relatively common. Of particular interest are head injuries that result in a concussion. Recently, repeated non-injurious head impacts in sport have attracted the attention of researchers interested in brain health. Therefore, this study assessed head movement during repeated rugby tackle drills among experienced Rugby Union players. Experienced male and female participants performed 15 1-on-1 tackles in a motion analysis laboratory to measure the head movements of the ball carrier and tackler during each tackle, using three-dimensional motion capture. The average peak acceleration of the head for ball carriers was 28.9 ± 24.08 g and 36.67 ± 28.91 g for the tacklers. This study found that the type of head impacts common while performing a tackle in Rugby Union are similar to those experienced by soccer players during heading, which has been found to alter brain function that lasts hours after the event. This has important implications for player health and suggests that mitigation strategies should be considered for Rugby Union.

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King, Doug A., Patria A. Hume, Conor Gissane, and Trevor N. Clark. "Similar head impact acceleration measured using instrumented ear patches in a junior rugby union team during matches in comparison with other sports." Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics 18, no. 1 (July 2016): 65–72. http://dx.doi.org/10.3171/2015.12.peds15605.

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OBJECTIVE Direct impact with the head and the inertial loading of the head have been postulated as major mechanisms of head-related injuries, such as concussion. METHODS This descriptive observational study was conducted to quantify the head impact acceleration characteristics in under-9-year-old junior rugby union players in New Zealand. The impact magnitude, frequency, and location were collected with a wireless head impact sensor that was worn by 14 junior rugby players who participated in 4 matches. RESULTS A total of 721 impacts > 10g were recorded. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) number of impacts per player was 46 (IQR 37–58), resulting in 10 (IQR 4–18) impacts to the head per player per match. The median impact magnitudes recorded were 15g (IQR 12g–21g) for linear acceleration and 2296 rad/sec2 (IQR 1352–4152 rad/sec2) for rotational acceleration. CONCLUSIONS There were 121 impacts (16.8%) above the rotational injury risk limit and 1 (0.1%) impact above the linear injury risk limit. The acceleration magnitude and number of head impacts in junior rugby union players were higher than those previously reported in similar age-group sports participants. The median linear acceleration for the under-9-year-old rugby players were similar to 7- to 8-year-old American football players, but lower than 9- to 12-year-old youth American football players. The median rotational accelerations measured were higher than the median and 95th percentiles in youth, high school, and collegiate American football players.

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Tee, J. C. "Movement and impact characteristics of South African professional rugby union players." South African Journal of Sports Medicine 27, no. 2 (January 29, 2016): 33. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3108/2015/v27i2a489.

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Background. Global positioning system (GPS) technology can provide accurate, non-invasive, real-time movement analysis of playersparticipating in team sports. The application of this technology to rugby union will improve training practices by allowing improvedunderstanding of movement characteristics and more individualised programmes.Objectives. To characterise the movement and impact patterns of South African professional rugby union players during match play andcompare these to previously reported data.Methods. Nineteen professional rugby players were tracked using GPS systems during 24 matches during the 2013 rugby season. Playerswere grouped as (i) backs or forwards and (ii) tight forwards, loose forwards, scrumhalves, inside backs or outside backs. Movements werecategorised in speed zones corresponding to walking (0 - 2 m.s-1), jogging (2 - 4 m.s-1), striding (4 - 6 m.s-1) and sprinting (>6 m.s-1). Walkingand jogging were classified as low-intensity and striding and sprinting as high-intensity movement zones. An inbuilt triaxial accelerometer(sampling frequency 100 Hz) measured the total impacts >5G and high-intensity impacts >8G. All data were normalised to time on fieldand reported as mean (standard deviation).Results. There was no difference between forwards and backs in relative distance covered. Backs reached higher maximum speeds thanforwards (backs 8.8 (1.1) v. forwards 7.6 (1.3) m.s-1, effect size (ES) 1.0, and outside backs were the fastest positional group (9.4 (0.9)m.s-1, ES 0.4 - 2.2). Players in all positions spent the majority of time walking (79 - 84%). Backs covered more distance than forwards inhigh-intensity speed zones (forwards 11 (5) v. backs 14 (4) m.min-1, ES 0.7). Tight forwards covered the most distance in low-intensityzones (63 (6) m.min-1, ES 0.3 - 1.7) while scrumhalves ran the most distance in high-intensity zones (20 (5) m.min-1, ES 1.2 - 3.6). Highintensity: low-intensity running ratios ranged from 1:13 (tight forwards) to 1:3 (scrumhalves). Loose forwards and inside backs exhibitedsimilar movement patterns. There was no difference in impact variables between forwards and backs. Inside backs sustained the least totalimpacts (6.5 (1.2) >5G.min-1, ES 0.9 - 2.0) and high-intensity impacts (0.7 (0.2) >8G.min-1, ES 0.5 - 1.4).Conclusions. There were notable differences in the movement of professional rugby union players in different positions, and effectivetraining programmes should reflect these variations.

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Hughes, Angus, Heather Driscoll, and Matt Carré. "Development of Silicone Elastomer for Use in the Assessment of Padded Clothing in Rugby Union." Proceedings 49, no. 1 (June 15, 2020): 77. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2020049077.

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Rugby Union is a collision sport, with both player to player and player to pitch impacts being frequent. Current test standards for padded clothing in rugby use impact surrogates, which may not accurately replicate the human response. Modern technologies use silicone elastomers to represent human soft tissue when testing padding, however many commercially available silicones do not match the load response seen by human tissue. This paper describes the fabrication and validation of a bespoke formulation of commercially available silicone elastomer and deadener concentrations that portray a similar load response to relaxed organic muscle tissue. The mechanical responses, both at quasi-static and dynamic strain rates, have been compared, with improved, more representative behaviour being presented. The validation of this silicone elastomer formulation is important in developing a more biofidelic impact surrogate for the assessment of padded clothing in rugby.

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Ball, Shane, Mark Halaki, and Rhonda Orr. "Movement Demands and Injury Characteristics in Under-20-Years University Rugby Union Players." Journal of Athletic Training 55, no. 4 (April 1, 2020): 376–83. http://dx.doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-575-18.

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Context Rugby union is a field-based collision sport with high injury rates. Associations between injury characteristics and global positioning system–derived movement demands in rugby union athletes are yet to be investigated. Objective To investigate associations between match injuries and movement demands, anthropometrics, and physical performance in under-20-years university-level rugby union players. Design Descriptive epidemiology study. Setting Competition season. Patients or Other Participants Rugby union players (n = 34, age = 19.3 ± 0.6 years) from a university club were recruited. Main Outcome Measure(s) Acute medical attention non–time-loss (NTL), medical-attention time-loss (TL), and total medical-attention (MA) injuries sustained were recorded. Principal component (PC) analysis was performed on player-movement demand variables to identify independent-movement demand components. Pearson correlation and bivariate linear regression were used to test associations between match injuries and PCs. Anthropometric and physical performance measures were tested as predictors of match injuries using a forward stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results Backs had lower anthropometric and performance measures than forwards (P < .05), whereas forwards performed fewer weekly movement demands than backs (P < .05). Increases in body mass and skinfold thickness were associated with more injuries (P < .05). Principal component analysis revealed 3 PCs representing overall performance, high-intensity running (HIR) performance, and impacts. Increases in HIR were associated with decreases in NTL upper limb and trunk (r = −0.32, P = .03), NTL musculoskeletal (r = −0.36, P = .05), NTL total (r = −0.46, P < .01), TL musculoskeletal (r = −0.30, P = .05), MA musculoskeletal (r = −0.41, P < .01), and MA total (r = −0.48, P < .01) injuries. Increases in impacts were associated with increased TL (r = 0.32, P = .03) and MA (r = 0.33, P = .03) head or neck injuries. Conclusions Backs experienced greater weekly movement demands than forwards. Increases in HIR demands were associated with decreased acute injuries in university rugby players. Increases in impacts were associated with more acute head or neck injuries. Positional differences in movement demands, anthropometrics, and physical performance highlight the need for position-specific training.

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Tierney, Gregory J., and Ciaran K. Simms. "Concussion in Rugby Union and the Role of Biomechanics." Res Medica 24, no. 1 (December 31, 2017): 87–95. http://dx.doi.org/10.2218/resmedica.v24i1.2507.

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Due to the physical and high-impact nature of rugby, head impacts can occur within the game which can result in concussion injuries as well as other moderate-to-severe head injuries 1. Concussion has been defined as “a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces”1 and was found to be one of the more common brain injuries throughout the world.2 This is particularly true in sport; it has been estimated that over half of all concussions are sports related.3 A systematic review of the incidence of concussion in contact sports found that rugby union has a higher incidence rate compared with other sports such as American football and soccer.4 Unlike other sports injuries, detecting a concussion is difficult as the neuropathological changes cannot be recognized on standard neuroimaging technology.5,6 \Therefore, if a player is suspected of having a concussion, they are removed from play for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA). The HIA is a standardized tool for the medical assessment of concussion injuries in rugby and aims to improve detection and patient education.7 The HIA assesses a range of degenerative concussive symptoms including memory, cognitive ability, balance and player discomfort. This concussion diagnosis protocol therefore relies heavily on side-line medical staff to identify if a player is exhibiting concussive symptoms. A major disadvantage to this is that concussion has a variable natural history, with transient, fluctuating, delayed and evolving signs or symptoms.8) This means that symptoms can take up to 48 hours to become apparent.8 It has therefore been acknowledged that the content of the HIA will be modified as the research around concussion diagnosis evolves.8 The reliance on side-line medical staff to accurately identify concussive symptoms means that there is a possibility a concussed player may remain on the field; this is one problem that biomechanical research into concussion is trying to overcome. This study will give an overview of concussion in rugby union with a focus on incidence, severity and protection strategies. It will discuss current biomechanical research and further biomechanical research required in the area of concussion injuries in rugby union.

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Hendricks, Sharief, Martin Sarembock, Ben Jones, Kevin Till, and Mike Lambert. "The tackle in South African youth rugby union – Gap between coaches' knowledge and training behaviour." International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching 12, no. 6 (November 2, 2017): 708–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1747954117738880.

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In youth rugby union matches, tackle-related injuries account for 60% of all injuries, 62% of concussion injuries and almost 50% of spinal cord injuries (youth and amateur). Because of this high risk of injury, the inclusion of the tackle in youth rugby has been a topic of discussion in the public and a high priority research area for World Rugby. What a coach knows and his/her attitude toward player safety directly impacts the risk and performance profile of a player. The purpose of this study is to describe the tackle knowledge, attitudes and training behaviours of youth rugby coaches. The entire population of Western Province Rugby Union Premier A1 division (highest level of school rugby) under-19 rugby coaches (n = 8) completed a knowledge and attitude questionnaire and 96 field-training sessions were observed over four weeks. Coaches rated tackling (mean 3.9, 95% confidence interval 3.3–4.4), rucking (mean 3.8, 95% confidence interval 3.0–4.5) and ball-carrying (mean 3.6, 95% confidence interval 2.6–4.6) as high-risk of injury facets of play ( H = 30.8, p < 0.001). Coaching proper technique was rated as very important for safety (mean 4.6, 95% confidence interval 4.2–5.0) and performance (mean 4.8, 95% confidence interval 4.4–5.0, U = 28, p > 0.05). Of the 96 observed training sessions, tackle training was recorded 16% of the time (vs. 84% no tackle training, p < 0.001). Coaches were aware of the risk of injury in the tackle and rated the coaching of proper technique of utmost importance. These positive knowledge and attitudes did not transfer into their tackle training. The discrepancy between coaches' tackle knowledge and attitudes, and their training of the tackle might be related to how competent they believe themselves to be in delivering tackle training.

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Oudshoorn, Bodil Y., Heather F. Driscoll, Marcus Dunn, and David James. "Kinetic and kinematic analysis of stamping impacts during simulated rucking in rugby union." Journal of Sports Sciences 36, no. 8 (June 26, 2017): 914–19. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2017.1346273.

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Tierney, Gregory J., Kevin Gildea, Tron Krosshaug, and Ciaran K. Simms. "Analysis of ball carrier head motion during a rugby union tackle without direct head contact: A case study." International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching 14, no. 2 (February 27, 2019): 190–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1747954119833477.

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Rugby union players can be involved in many tackles per game. However, little is known of the regular head loading environment associated with tackling in rugby union. In particular, the magnitude and influencing factors for head kinematics during the tackle are poorly understood. Accordingly, the goal of this study was to measure head motion of a visually unaware ball carrier during a real game tackle to the upper trunk with no direct head contact, and compare the kinematics with previously reported concussive events. Model-Based Image-Matching was utilised to measure ball carrier head linear and angular velocities. Ball carrier componential maximum change in head angular velocities of 38.1, 20.6 and 13.5 rad/s were measured for the head local X (coronal plane), Y (sagittal plane) and Z (transverse plane) axes respectively. The combination of a high legal tackle height configuration and visually unaware ball carrier can lead to kinematics similar to average values previously reported for concussive direct head impacts.

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Smart, D. J., N. D. Gill, C. M. Beaven, C. J. Cook, and A. J. Blazevich. "The relationship between changes in interstitial creatine kinase and game-related impacts in rugby union." British Journal of Sports Medicine 42, no. 3 (March 1, 2008): 198–201. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2007.040162.

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Tierney, Gregory J., and Ciaran Simms. "Predictive Capacity of the MADYMO Multibody Human Body Model Applied to Head Kinematics During Rugby Union Tackles." Applied Sciences 9, no. 4 (February 19, 2019): 726. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app9040726.

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Multibody models have not yet been evaluated for reconstructing head kinematics during sports impacts. Accordingly, the goal of this study was to utilise whole-body motion data from twenty upper and mid/lower trunk rugby shoulder tackles recorded in a marker-based 3D motion analysis laboratory to assess the MADYMO human body passive ellipsoid model for head kinematic reconstruction. Head linear and angular velocity during the tackle for the multibody model predictions and 3D motion laboratory measures were recorded for the ball carrier. Examined were the linear and angular velocity, as well as the absolute and percentage differences. For upper trunk tackles, the median percentage error (with quartiles) for the MADYMO predictions were 10% (6% to 45%) and 23% (16% to 39%) for change in head linear and angular velocity, respectively. For mid/lower trunk tackles, the median percentage error (with quartiles) for the MADYMO predictions were 46% (33% to 63%) and 60% (53% to 123%) for change in head linear and angular velocity, respectively. In conclusion, the model is currently unsuitable for reconstruction of head kinematics during individual rugby union tackle cases.

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Grainger, Adam, John James McMahon, and Paul Comfort. "Assessing the frequency and magnitude of match impacts accrued during an elite rugby union playing season." International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport 18, no. 4 (July 4, 2018): 507–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2018.1496392.

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Yamamoto, Hayato, Masanori Takemura, Junta Iguchi, Misato Tachibana, Junzo Tsujita, and Tatsuya Hojo. "In-match physical demands on elite Japanese rugby union players using a global positioning system." BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 6, no. 1 (January 2020): e000659. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000659.

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ObjectivesOur aim of this study was to quantify the physical demands of elite rugby union players by each position as a step towards designing position-specific training programme using a Global Positioning System/accelerometer system.MethodsThis study was performed as a retrospective observational study. Data were obtained from 45 official matches. The sample size used for the analysis was 298. The per-match total distances, accelerations and impacts were calculated and statistically compared for the forwards and backs and for individual positions.ResultsTotal distances for the forwards and backs were 5731.1±507.8 and 6392.1±646.8 m, respectively. The high-velocity running distances (>18.0 km/hour) covered by the forwards and backs were 317.4±136.9 and 715.0±242.9 m, respectively. The number of accelerations (>1.5 m/s2) for the forwards and backs were 76.3±18.9 and 100.8±19.6 times, respectively, and the number of high impacts (>10 g) were 48.0±46.9 and 35.6±28.3 times for the forwards and backs, respectively. All characteristics were significantly different between the forwards and backs (p<0.05). The per-position characteristics were also calculated. Within the backs, scrum half (SH) and wingers (WTBs) covered high-velocity running significantly higher distance than fly-half (SH d=2.571, WTBs d=1.556) and centres (SH d=1.299, WTBs d=0.685) (p<0.05).ConclusionBy clarifying the physical demands according to the positions, it will be possible to create optimised position-specific training programmes.

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King, Doug, Patria A. Hume, Matt Brughelli, and Conor Gissane. "Instrumented Mouthguard Acceleration Analyses for Head Impacts in Amateur Rugby Union Players Over a Season of Matches." American Journal of Sports Medicine 43, no. 3 (December 22, 2014): 614–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0363546514560876.

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Farah, Ghassan J., Brendon C. Mitchell, Matthew R. Schmitz, James D. Bomar, and Eric Edmonds. "Injury Patterns in Rugby Union—America’s Fastest Growing Sport." Journal of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America 4, no. 1 (January 29, 2022): 1–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.55275/jposna-2022-0019.

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Rugby union is the fastest growing sport in the USA, and its growth is only expected to continue to climb with the approaching 2023 Rugby World Cup. Rugby union carries risk for general and sport-specific injury. Tackles and high-impact collisions are a regular component of the game, and although often compared to American football, rugby union carries a unique pattern of injuries, with certain injuries occurring at a significantly higher rate. This review is aimed at familiarizing our orthopaedic workforce to the sport of rugby union and the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of the rugby union athlete. Injury prevention strategies guided by epidemiology, risk factors, and mechanisms of injury in rugby union athletes are critical.

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Hind, Karen, Natalie Konerth, Ian Entwistle, Alice Theadom, Gwyn Lewis, Doug King, Paul Chazot, and Patria Hume. "Cumulative Sport-Related Injuries and Longer Term Impact in Retired Male Elite- and Amateur-Level Rugby Code Athletes and Non-contact Athletes: A Retrospective Study." Sports Medicine 50, no. 11 (July 16, 2020): 2051–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01310-y.

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Abstract Background Rugby union and rugby league are popular team contact sports, but they bring a high risk of injury. Although previous studies have reported injury occurrence across one or several seasons, none have explored the total number of injuries sustained across an entire career. As the first to do so, the aim of this study was to report on cumulative injuries and their perceived long-term impact in retired rugby code athletes compared to athletes from non-contact sports. Methods One hundred and eighty-nine former rugby code athletes (rugby union n = 145; rugby league n = 44) and 65 former non-contact athletes were recruited to the UK Rugby Health Project between September 2016 and December 2018. Details on sports participation, sports injuries and concussion history, sports injury-related surgeries, and previous and current health were obtained from a validated, online self-report questionnaire. Results Former elite rugby code athletes (n = 83) reported more total injuries per player (median 39, IQR 35) than former amateur rugby code athletes (n = 106; median 23, IQR 30; p = 0.014) and non-contact sports athletes (n = 65; median 7.5, IQR 15; p < 0.001). Concussion was the most frequently reported injury for the elite and amateur rugby code groups, followed by upper/lower back and knee ligament injuries. These injuries also presented with the highest recurrence. Rugby code groups reported a higher continued impact of previous concussion, neck injuries, shoulder dislocation, ACL tears, and knee ligament injuries (p = 0.003–0.045). The reported prevalence of osteoarthritis was more than twofold greater in the elite rugby code group than in non-contact athletes (51% v 22%, p < 0.001). The prevalence of back pain and/or severe and regular joint pain was high across all groups (47–80%), particularly the elite rugby code group. The total number of joint injuries and sport injury-related surgeries was higher in those who reported current osteoarthritis and current severe and regular joint pain (p < 0.001–p = 0.028). Conclusion Across multiple injury types, past participation in rugby union and rugby league, particularly at elite level, is associated with a high cumulative injury load and a continued impact of previous injuries post-retirement. Given the high number of reported concussions (and their recurrence) and associations between previous injuries during a player’s career and current musculoskeletal conditions, efforts should be prioritized to reduce the occurrence and recurrence of injuries in rugby codes at all levels of the sport. Strategies should also be developed for supporting the specific physical health needs of rugby code athletes post-retirement.

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Garraway, W. M. "Impact of professionalism on injuries in rugby union." British Journal of Sports Medicine 34, no. 5 (October 1, 2000): 348–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.34.5.348.

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Quarrie, K. L. "Impact of professionalism on injuries in rugby union." British Journal of Sports Medicine 35, no. 6 (December 1, 2001): 450. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.35.6.450.

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Lallemand, Benjamin, Christophe Clanet, Sylvain Blanchard, Patricio Noriega, Julien Piscione, Olivier Chaplain, Didier Retière, and Caroline Cohen. "Peak Compression Force Physics in Rugby Union Scrum." Proceedings 49, no. 1 (June 15, 2020): 151. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2020049151.

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Scrums play a major role in Rugby Union games, and are historically known as a showdown between the two packs of opposing teams, composed of their eight forwards players organized in a 3-4-1 configuration, respectively. We investigate scrum mechanics by working with professional male forward players from Racing 92, a high-level French Rugby club, and measuring the forces they apply on the French Rugby Federation instrumented scrum machine. Signal analysis reveals two major phases in the force production during a scrummaging effort: an impulsive engagement force, and then a force sustained for a few seconds. We experimentally compare individual performances of the engagement phase. We discuss the influence of the mass and the engagement speed of the players, and we introduce the model we are investigating to describe the individual impact on a scrum machine. We expect this model to be the elementary component of a collective model of a pack.

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Garcia, Cintia, Gustavo da Mota, Anthony Leicht, and Moacir Marocolo. "Ischemic Preconditioning and Acute Recovery of Performance in Rugby Union Players." Sports Medicine International Open 01, no. 03 (May 2017): E107—E112. http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-111082.

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AbstractIschemic preconditioning has been used as a training and/or pre-competition strategy; however its use for post-exercise recovery is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ischemic preconditioning on performance and recovery ratings following a simulated match in sub-elite rugby players. Following baseline measures, male players (n=8) performed a 40 min, rugby-specific exercise protocol followed by an intervention: 21 min of ischemic preconditioning (3×5 min occlusion at 220 mmHg with 2 min reperfusion at 0 mmHg) or passive rest (control) on 2 separate days. An agility T-test, a single vertical countermovement jump and 30 s of continuous vertical jumps were performed at baseline (–24 h), immediately after exercise, and immediately after the intervention. The rugby-specific exercise protocol induced similar mean heart rates (158.3±18.0 vs. 158.7±16.0 bpm) and perceived exertion levels (8.2±0.9 vs. 8.0±1.0) for both trials with all recovery performance measures and rating of recovery (13.9±1.4 vs. 13.6±1.6) similar between ischemic preconditioning and control trials (best p=0.385). We conclude that the use of ischemic preconditioning does not improve recovery acutely (~1 h) including specific variables related to rugby performance in amateur rugby union players.

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Pasqualetti, Massimo, Maria Elisabetta Onori, Giulia Canu, Giacomo Moretti, Angelo Minucci, Silvia Baroni, Alvaro Mordente, Andrea Urbani, and Christel Galvani. "The Relationship between ACE, ACTN3 and MCT1 Genetic Polymorphisms and Athletic Performance in Elite Rugby Union Players: A Preliminary Study." Genes 13, no. 6 (May 28, 2022): 969. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/genes13060969.

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Athletic performance is influenced by many factors such as the environment, diet, training and endurance or speed in physical effort and by genetic predisposition. Just a few studies have analyzed the impact of genotypes on physical performance in rugby. The aim of this study was to verify the modulation of genetic influence on rugby-specific physical performance. Twenty-seven elite rugby union players were involved in the study during the in-season phase. Molecular genotyping was performed for: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE rs4646994), alfa-actinin-3 (ACTN3 rs1815739) and monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1 rs1049434) and their variants. Lean mass index (from skinfolds), lower-limb explosive power (countermovement jump), agility (505), speed (20 m), maximal aerobic power (Yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1) and repeated sprint ability (12 × 20 m) were evaluated. In our rugby union players ACE and ACTN3 variants did not show any influence on athletic performance. MCT1 analysis showed that TT-variant players had the highest peak vertical power (p = 0.037) while the ones with the AA genotype were the fastest in both agility and sprint tests (p = 0.006 and p = 0.012, respectively). Considering the T-dominant model, the AA genotype remains the fastest in both tests (agility: p = 0.013, speed: p = 0.017). Only the MCT1 rs1049434 A allele seems to be advantageous for elite rugby union players, particularly when power and speed are required.

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COLLINS, TONY. "ENGLISH RUGBY UNION AND THE FIRST WORLD WAR." Historical Journal 45, no. 4 (December 2002): 797–817. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0018246x02002686.

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The idea that war was a football match writ large was commonly expressed in Britain during the First World War. This article looks at the attitudes and actions of the English Rugby Football Union and its supporters before, during, and after the First World War to examine how such beliefs were utilized by sports organizations and the impact they had on the military and on society as a whole. Rugby union football was viewed both by its supporters and general observers alike as the most enthusiastic and committed sporting supporter of the war effort; the article explores rugby's overtly ideological stance as a means of shedding light on broader discussions about the cultural impact of the war, such as in the works of Paul Fussell and Jay Winter, and about the continued survival of traditional and Edwardian ideas of patriotism among the English middle classes in the immediate post-war period.

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Hartwig, Timothy B., Geraldine Naughton, and John Searl. "Defining the Volume and Intensity of Sport Participation in Adolescent Rugby Union Players." International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 3, no. 1 (March 2008): 94–106. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.3.1.94.

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Purpose:Investigating adolescent training loads might help us understand optimal training adaptations. GPS tracking devices and training diaries were used to quantify weekly sport and other physical activity demands placed on adolescent rugby union players and profile typical rugby training sessions.Methods:Participants were 75 males age 14 to 18 y who were recruited from rugby teams representing 3 levels of participation: schoolboy, national representative, and a selective sports school talent squad.Results:Schoolboy players covered a distance of (mean ± SD) 3511 ± 836 m, representative-squad players 3576 ± 956 m, and talent-squad players 2208 ± 637 m per rugby training session. The representative squad recorded the highest weekly duration of sport and physical activity (515 ± 222 min/wk), followed by the talent squad (421 ± 211 min/week) and schoolboy group (370 ± 135 min/wk). Profiles of individual players identified as group outliers showed participation in up to 3 games and up to 11 training sessions per week, with twice the weekly load of the team averages.Conclusion:Optimal participation and performance of adolescent rugby union players might be compromised by many high-load, high-impact training sessions and games and commitments to other sports and physical activities. An improved understanding of monitoring and quantifying load in adolescent athletes is needed to facilitate best-practice advice for player management and training prescription.

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Zoccola, Diana, Ann B. Shuttleworth-Edwards, and Sarah E. Radloff. "Signs of cognitive dysfunction in adult players of club level rugby." South African Journal of Psychology 50, no. 1 (February 11, 2019): 128–40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0081246319826816.

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The objective of this study was to investigate players of club level Rugby Union (hereafter rugby) over one rugby season, for signs of residual cognitive dysfunction due to repeated concussive events incurred during long-term participation in the sport. Adult male players of club level rugby, without a diagnosis of a concussion during the season ( n = 20), were compared with non-contact club level sports participants ( n = 22) of equivalent sex, age, education, and estimated IQ at pre-, mid-, and post-season intervals. Measures included the ImPACT Verbal Memory, Visual Memory, Visual Motor Speed and Reaction Time composites, and the Purdue Pegboard test. Statistical group comparisons revealed consistently poorer performance for rugby players compared with controls for ImPACT Visual Motor Speed and Reaction Time composites at all test intervals, and for the Purdue Pegboard tasks at the first two test intervals. Repeat measures comparisons across the three test intervals demonstrated differential learning patterns between groups on ImPACT Visual Memory, ImPACT Reaction Time, and Purdue Both tasks, suggestive of cognitive vulnerability in the rugby group. Overall, the results reveal deleterious cognitive performance in adult club level rugby players relative to equivalent non-contact sports controls. The finding serves to endorse indications from other studies that demonstrate persistent brain injury effects in association with long-term participation in a contact sport. Recommendations for further research and management of concussion in rugby players are discussed.

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Reboursiere, E., Y. Bohu, D. Retière, B. Sesboüé, V. Pineau, J. P. Colonna, J. P. Hager, J. C. Peyrin, and J. Piscione. "Impact of the national prevention policy and scrum law changes on the incidence of rugby-related catastrophic cervical spine injuries in French Rugby Union." British Journal of Sports Medicine 52, no. 10 (July 25, 2016): 674–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096122.

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Background and aimsCatastrophic cervical spine injuries are rare in rugby union but require close monitoring. The aim of this study was to analyse the incidence of severe cervical spine injuries and determine the impact of a national prevention programme and new scrum rules implemented by the French Rugby Union.MethodsA prospective study was performed between 2006 and 2013 including all players affiliated to the French Rugby Union. All cervical spine injuries resulting in death, tetraplegia or a permanent neurological deficit were included. Prevention programmes were implemented from 2007 to 2013 and a change in scrum rules in 2010. To measure the impact of rule changes, results between 2006–2010 and 2010–2013 were compared using a Poisson regression.ResultsAltogether, 31 injuries were observed and the mean annual incidence was 1.6 per 100 000 players. There were significantly more injuries in senior players compared to junior players (3.5 vs 0.6 per 100 000 players; CI 95% (2.1 to 4.9) vs (0.1 to 1.0)). Incidence decreased from 1.8 in 2006 to 1.0 per 100 000 players in 2013 (p<0.0001). After 2010, there were significantly fewer injuries during scrums (p=0.02). In contrast, there were significantly more injuries in backs during 2010–2013 compared to 2006–2010 (p=0.003).ConclusionsThe incidence of catastrophic cervical spine injuries has declined in French Rugby Union. The implementation of specific prevention programmes and scrum law changes has notably resulted in a decrease in scrum injuries in forwards. This prospective study should be continued to monitor the future progression of injuries and adapt prevention programmes accordingly.

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Green, Michael Robert. "The impact of social networks in the development of a personal sports brand." Sport, Business and Management: An International Journal 6, no. 3 (July 11, 2016): 274–94. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/sbm-09-2015-0032.

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Purpose – Over the past two decades the subject and growth of social media has been exponential, along with its relevance to the sport marketing industry. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the strategic usage of social networking websites to develop the concept of a personal brand by international rugby union players. Design/methodology/approach – This study was embedded within an interpretivist paradigm that allowed the qualitative examination of the way international rugby players use social networking sites. The primary data collection method involved ten semi-structured interviews and was triangulated with secondary sources which involved visiting the three social networking sites utilised by all the players (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). Findings – The research analysis revealed personal branding themes that can be classified according to the following mnemonic: personality, exposure, response, follow, endorse, consistent, and target audience (PERFECT). Research limitations/implications – This study has focused entirely upon international rugby union players; therefore no claim is made for generalisability to other contexts. A potential area for future research lies in replicating this study in different sport settings in order to identify whether the identified contextual factors also play a role outside of international rugby union and for different gender, playing-level or social media categories. Practical implications – This study has reinforced that, within “real-life” social networking contexts, the development of an online profile can help create differentiation for players in a highly competitive market, especially if they share similar “sporting” characteristics with colleagues or other athletes. This research highlights that the utilisation of social networks by sports athletes has to become part of a strategic marketing approach. Originality/value – The author draws attention to the theoretical position based on the PERFECT mnemonic offering sports athletes a framework to develop a successful online branding strategy. The central premise is based on emphasising uniqueness and distinction to offer a competitive advantage by delivering added value throughout various communications.

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Russo, Maria Julieta, Fernando Salvat, and Gustavo Sevlever. "Creation of the Argentina- Sports Concussion Assessment & Research Study (Arg-SCARS)." Neurology 95, no. 20 Supplement 1 (November 16, 2020): S13.2—S13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.0000719992.07471.ee.

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ObjectiveTo investigate how and why, over time, rugby union players might vary in their cognitive and behavioral functioning, whilst exploring modifying and contributing factors for the development of clinical symptoms and problems in association with repetitive neurotrauma.BackgroundThere is an urgent need for an improved understanding of the relationship between repetitive sports concussion and cognitive decline risk given that sports concussion prevention may plausibly impact upon neurodegeneration prevention. The Argentina- Sports Concussion Assessment & Research Study (Arg-SCARS) aims to explore the association between sports concussion and cognitive function over time in two cohorts of participants: active and retired rugby players.Design/MethodsThe Arg-SCARS is a longitudinal, prospective, naturalistic (nontreatment) study of rugby union players. It will be conducted in one Institute for Neurologic Research (FLENI) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The “active rugby players cohort” will consist of approximately 100 men aged between 18 and 35 years. The ‘retired rugby players cohort” will consist of at least 140 men aged between 35 and 65 years. All participants will be evaluated in a uniform manner at entry and longitudinally thereafter with instruments that include a clinical and neuropsychological test battery, biological fluids collection, and structural neuroimaging. In those with and without sports concussion, cognitive and behavioral functioning will be assessed at biannual intervals for 12-year follow-up.ResultsOutcome Measures will include: 1) rate of change for each cognitive and behavioral marker; 2) rate of volume change of whole brain, hippocampus, and entorhinal cortex; 3) rates of change for each biological marker; 4) group differences for each cognitive and biological marker measurement; 5) assessing interrelationships among cognitive and biological markers.ConclusionsThe findings of this study will provide us with greater insights and therefore better understanding of how repetitive head trauma influence rugby union player's risk of getting cognitive impairment later on in life.

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Pareja-Blanco, Fernando, Lucas A. Pereira, Valter P. Reis, Victor Fernandes, Ademir F. S. Arruda, Aristide Guerriero, Pedro E. Alcaraz, Tomás T. Freitas, and Irineu Loturco. "Impact of Sled Loads on Performance and Kinematics of Elite Sprinters and Rugby Players." International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 17, no. 3 (March 1, 2022): 465–73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2020-0867.

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Purpose: To examine the changes in resisted sprint performance and kinematics provoked by different sled loads in elite sprinters and rugby players. Methods: Eight elite male sprinters and 10 rugby union players performed 20-m sprints under 3 loading conditions (0%, 20%, and 60% body mass [BM]). Sprint time was measured in 0 to 5, 5 to 10, and 10 to 20 m, while stride length and hip, knee, and ankle angles were measured using an 8-sensor motion analysis system at the same distances. Results: Sprinters were significantly faster than rugby players in unresisted and resisted sprints using 20% BM (effect size, “ES” [90% confidence limit, CL] range: 0.65 [0.03 to 1.27]; 3.95 [3.10 to 4.81]), but these differences were not significant at 60% BM. Compared to rugby players, sprinters showed lower velocity decrement in resisted sprints using 20% BM (ES [90% CL] range: 0.75 [0.06 to 1.44]; 2.43 [0.83 to 4.02], but higher velocity decrement using 60% BM (ES [90% CL] range: 1.13 [0.43 to 1.82]; 1.46 [0.81 to 2.11]). No significant differences were detected in stride length between sprinters and rugby players for any sprint condition (ES [90% CL] range: 0.02 [−0.72 to 0.76]; 0.84 [0.13 to 1.54]). Rugby players showed higher hip flexion in resisted sprints (ES [90% CL] range: 0.30 [−0.54 to 1.14]; 1.17 [0.20 to 2.15]) and lower plantar flexion in both unresisted and resisted sprints (ES [90% CL] range: 0.78 [0.18 to 1.38]; 1.69 [1.00 to 2.38] than sprinters. Conclusions: The alterations induced by resisted sprints in sprint velocity and running technique differed between sprinters and rugby players. Some caution should be taken with general sled loads prescriptions, especially when relative loads are based on distinct percentages of BM, as training responses vary among sports and individuals.

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Muamba, Johnbosco, Nkatha Muthomi, and David Muigai. "Sources of Stress and Refereeing Experience of Active Kenya Rugby Union Referees." International Journal of Kinesiology and Sports Science 9, no. 2 (April 30, 2021): 22. http://dx.doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.9n.2p.22.

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Background: Rugby referees have for a long time volunteered to officiate matches in Kenya yet refereeing as an activity is stressful. Objective: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive research design to investigate the impact of the experience of the active rugby union referees in Kenya on the sources of stress affecting them. Method: A Sources of Officiating Stress Questionnaire (SOSQ) (Voight, 2009) was used to collect data from all referees(n=80) who actively refereed matches during the 2016 / 2017 Kenya Rugby Union season. The independent variable tested in the questionnaire was experience of the referees, whereas the dependent variables were sources of stress. Results: Referees with an experience of between 5 to 10 years encountered stress from most of the sources (Mean= 3.17, SD=0.62) whereas those with an experience of between 10 to 20 years encountered stress from the least of the sources (Mean=2.93, SD=0.60). Findings indicated that there was a significant mean difference in sources of stress across refereeing experience (F-statistic =2.175, p=0.009). Conclusion: It was concluded that all active referees experienced stress from different sources despite their years of experience.

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Barden, Craig, Keith A. Stokes, and Carly D. McKay. "Implementation of the Activate injury prevention exercise programme in English schoolboy rugby union." BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 7, no. 2 (May 2021): e001018. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2020-001018.

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ObjectivesThe implementation of the Activate injury prevention exercise programme has not been assessed in an applied context. This study aimed to (1) describe the knowledge and perceptions of school rugby coaches and players towards injury risk, prevention and Activate and (2) evaluate Activate implementation in schoolboy rugby using the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance framework.MethodsBespoke electronic surveys were administered to coaches (including support staff) and players at participating English schools (2018–2020). Most questions and statements were answered using a 7-point Likert scale. At baseline, participants detailed their Activate awareness and perceptions of injury risk and prevention in schoolboy rugby. At postseason, participants reported Activate use throughout the study and their perceptions towards the programme.ResultsAt baseline, significant differences existed between coaches (n=106) and players (n=571) in Activate awareness (75% and 13% respectively; χ2=173.5, p<0.001). Coaches perceived rugby had a significantly greater injury risk than players, while holding more positive perceptions towards injury prevention. At postseason, coaches reported greater Activate adoption compared with players (76% and 18% respectively; χ2=41.8, p<0.001); 45% of players were unaware if they used the programme. Median session adherence was twice weekly, with a median duration of 10–15 min. This suggests Activate was not implemented as intended, with recommendations of three 20 min sessions per week. Both groups identified common barriers to implementation, such as lack of time and inclusion of a ball.ConclusionCoaches are instrumental in the decision to implement Activate. Targeting behavioural change in these individuals is likely to have the greatest impact on intervention uptake.

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Tierney, Gregory J., John Lawler, Karl Denvir, Kurt McQuilkin, and Ciaran K. Simms. "Risks associated with significant head impact events in elite rugby union." Brain Injury 30, no. 11 (August 11, 2016): 1350–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02699052.2016.1193630.

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Hume, Patria, Alice Theadom, Gwyn N. Lewis, Kenneth L. Quarrie, Scott R. Brown, Rosamund Hill, and Stephen W. Marshall. "COGNITION IN FORMER RUGBY UNION PLAYERS AND IMPACT OF CONCUSSION HISTORY." British Journal of Sports Medicine 51, no. 4 (February 2017): 333.1–333. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097372.125.

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Tee, Jason C., Mike I. Lambert, and Yoga Coopoo. "Impact of Fatigue on Positional Movements During Professional Rugby Union Match Play." International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 12, no. 4 (April 2017): 554–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2015-0695.

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Purpose:In team sports, fatigue is manifested by a self-regulated decrease in movement distance and intensity. There is currently limited information on the effect of fatigue on movement patterns in rugby union match play, particularly for players in different position groups (backs vs forwards). This study investigated the effect of different match periods on movement patterns of professional rugby union players.Methods:Global positioning system (GPS) data were collected from 46 professional match participations to determine temporal effects on movement patterns.Results:Total relative distance (m/min) was decreased in the 2nd half for both forwards (–13%, ±8%, ES = very likely large) and backs (–9%, ±7%, ES = very likely large). A larger reduction in high-intensity-running distance in the 2nd half was observed for forwards (–27%, ±16%, ES = very likely medium) than for backs (–10%, ±15%; ES = unclear). Similar patterns were observed for sprint (>6 m/s) frequency (forwards –29%, ±29%, ES = likely small vs backs –13% ±18%, ES = possibly small) and acceleration (>2.75 m/s2) frequency (forwards –27%, ±24%, ES = likely medium vs backs –5%, ±46%, ES = unclear). Analysis of 1st- and 2nd-half quartiles revealed differing pacing strategies for forwards and backs. Forwards display a “slow-positive” pacing strategy, while the pacing strategy of backs is “flat.”Conclusions:Forwards suffered progressively greater performance decrements over the course of the match, while backs were able to maintain performance intensity. These findings reflect differing physical demands, notably contact and running loads, of players in different positions.

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Panagodage Perera, Nirmala Kanthi, Maja R. Radojčić, Stephanie R. Filbay, Steffan A. Griffin, Lucy Gates, Andrew Murray, Roger Hawkes, and Nigel K. Arden. "Rugby Health and Well-Being Study: protocol for a UK-wide survey with health data cross-validation." BMJ Open 11, no. 1 (January 2021): e041037. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041037.

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IntroductionRugby football (Union and League) provides physical activity (PA) with related physical and mental health benefits. However, as a collision sport, rugby research and media coverage predominantly focus on injuries in elite players while the overall impact on health and well-being remains unclear. This study aims to provide a greater understanding of the risks and benefits of rugby participation in a diverse sample of men and women, current and former rugby Union and League players from recreational to the elite level of play. We will explore: (1) joint-specific injuries and concussion; (2) joint pain and osteoarthritis (OA); (3) medical and mental health conditions; (4) PA and sedentary behaviour and (5) well-being (quality of life, flourishing and resilience).Methods and analysisThe Rugby Health and Well-being Study is designed in two phases: (1) a UK-wide cross-sectional survey and (2) cross-validation using health register data from Scotland. Participants will be at least 16 years old, current or former rugby players who have played rugby for at least one season. We will report standardised, level of play-, sex- and age-stratified prevalence of joint injury, concussion, medical conditions and PA. We will describe injury/concussion prevention expectations and protective equipment use. Rugby-related factors associated with injury, pain, OA, PA, health and well-being will be explored in regression models. We will compare joint pain intensity and duration, elements of pain perception and well-being between recreational and elite players and further investigate these associations in regression models while controlling for confounding variables. In the second phase, we will validate self-reported with health register data, and provide further information on healthcare use.Ethics and disseminationThe Yorkshire and the Humber—Leeds East Research Ethics Committee (REC reference: 19/HY/0377) has approved this study (IRAS project ID 269424). The results will be disseminated through scientific publications, conferences and social media.

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Hill, Andy, Áine MacNamara, and Dave Collins. "Psychobehaviorally Based Features of Effective Talent Development in Rugby Union: A Coach’s Perspective." Sport Psychologist 29, no. 3 (September 2015): 201–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2014-0103.

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Talent development (TD) is widely recognized as a nonlinear and dynamic process, with psychology a key determinant of long-term success in sport. However, given the role that positive characteristics play in the TD process, there is a relative dearth of research examining the psychological characteristics that may derail development. A retrospective qualitative investigation was conducted with academy coaches and directors within rugby union (n = 15), representing nine different elite English rugby union academies, to identify both positive and negative issues that influenced TD. Comprehensive support was found for existing positive constructs as facilitators of effective development. A range of inappropriately applied ‘positive’ characteristics were identified as having a negative impact on development. Potential clinical issues were also recognized by coaches as talent derailers. It is proposed that by incorporating these potentially negative factors into existing formative assessment tools, a more effective development process can be achieved.

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Brazier, Jon, Mark Antrobus, Georgina K. Stebbings, Stephen H. Day, Shane M. Heffernan, Matthew J. Cross, and Alun G. Williams. "Tendon and Ligament Injuries in Elite Rugby: The Potential Genetic Influence." Sports 7, no. 6 (June 4, 2019): 138. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/sports7060138.

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This article reviews tendon and ligament injury incidence and severity within elite rugby union and rugby league. Furthermore, it discusses the biological makeup of tendons and ligaments and how genetic variation may influence this and predisposition to injury. Elite rugby has one of the highest reported injury incidences of any professional sport. This is likely due to a combination of well-established injury surveillance systems and the characteristics of the game, whereby high-impact body contact frequently occurs, in addition to the high intensity, multispeed and multidirectional nature of play. Some of the most severe of all these injuries are tendon and ligament/joint (non-bone), and therefore, potentially the most debilitating to a player and playing squad across a season or World Cup competition. The aetiology of these injuries is highly multi-factorial, with a growing body of evidence suggesting that some of the inter-individual variability in injury susceptibility may be due to genetic variation. However, little effort has been devoted to the study of genetic injury traits within rugby athletes. Due to a growing understanding of the molecular characteristics underpinning the aetiology of injury, investigating genetic variation within elite rugby is a viable and worthy proposition. Therefore, we propose several single nucleotide polymorphisms within candidate genes of interest; COL1A1, COL3A1, COL5A1, MIR608, MMP3, TIMP2, VEGFA, NID1 and COLGALT1 warrant further study within elite rugby and other invasion sports.

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Arvinen-Barrow, Monna, Diarmuid Hurley, and Montse C. Ruiz. "Transitioning Out of Professional Sport: The Psychosocial Impact of Career-Ending Injuries Among Elite Irish Rugby Football Union Players." Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology 11, no. 1 (March 2017): 67–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jcsp.2016-0012.

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This study documented the lived career-ending injury experiences among elite Irish rugby football union (IRFU) players. Three players took part in semistructured one-on-one interviews. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (Smith, 1996) revealed that the process of psychosocial injury rehabilitation and the subsequent transition process was for the most part a distressing one and evolved in a cyclical, yet stage-like (Heil, 1994), manner. The nature of the postinjury career transition appeared to be dependent on the interactional balance of participants’ psychosocial responses to injury, existing coping mechanisms, and other factors related to the injury and career transition process. Appropriate social support network, use of sport medicine and counseling professionals, as well as organizational officials are needed to best prepare elite rugby players for life outside of sport, and to ensure a healthy career transition (Taylor & Ogilvie, 1994) out of sport.

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Lim, Eugene, Brendan Lay, Brian Dawson, Karen Wallman, and Scott Aanderson. "Development of a player impact ranking matrix in Super 14 rugby union." International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport 9, no. 3 (December 2009): 354–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2009.11868492.

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Whitham, RDJ. "THE IMPACT OF THE TACKLE: SHOULDER INJURIES IN A RUGBY UNION TEAM." British Journal of Sports Medicine 47, no. 17 (October 24, 2013): A1134. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2013-093035.4.

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Obel, Camilla. "Researching Rugby in New Zealand: Reflections on Writing the Self and the Research Problem." Sociology of Sport Journal 21, no. 4 (December 2004): 418–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ssj.21.4.418.

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This article offers a methodological account of my study of rugby union in New Zealand and an autobiographical description of the production of my researcher self. I argue that reflexivity in writing research requires both a scrutinizing of the act of producing the research problem and a “confessional” that reveals how the researcher enters the field, her biases, and her self as a product of knowledge and social life produced by others. In this article, the latter includes my position as a foreign woman researching the male sport of rugby and my reflections on the impact of gender on the research process despite my initial reluctance to include a gender perspective in the study. The former focuses on how I produced an historical and sociological account that questioned the local taken-for-granted explanations for the success of the national New Zealand All Black team and the position of rugby as the national game.

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Michael, Isaac, Benjamin G. Serpell, Carmen M. Colomer, and Jocelyn K. Mara. "Analysing the short-term impact of substitutes vs. starters in international rugby." International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching 14, no. 5 (September 18, 2019): 667–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1747954119874163.

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The aim of this study was to compare the short-term performance of substitute players to starting players during International Rugby Union matches and determine how this performance was influenced by playing position, the timing of the substitution and the score margin between teams. Individual player performances (n = 298) for substitutes and the starters they replaced were observed across 17 matches played between tier 1 rugby nations. Performance was categorised as the total number of involvements, the number of attacking and defensive involvements, as well as the effectiveness of a player's performance for each of the above involvement categories. Results revealed forward substitutes performed more total ( p = 0.001, ES = 0.61), attacking ( p = 0.026, ES = 0.32) and defensive ( p = 0.023, ES = 0.31) involvements than forward starters; however, there were no differences found for backs ( p = 0.819–0.911). In addition, it was observed that an increase in score margin at the time of substitution led to a decrease in the total and attacking involvements per minute that a substitute performed, but an increase in defensive involvements for both forwards and backs. These findings provide a platform for coaches to make tactical decisions regarding substitution patterns during International Rugby matches. Specifically, coaches should prioritise forward substitutions over back substitutions, and implement tactical changes earlier in the second half to gain an advantage over the opposition.

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Falvey, Éanna, Ross Tucker, Gordan Fuller, and Martin Raftery. "Head injury assessment in rugby union: clinical judgement guidelines." BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 7, no. 2 (April 2021): e000986. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000986.

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Background/aimClinical judgement is a recognised component of a complete off-field concussion assessment. This study identifies guidance criteria for team medical staff when using clinical judgement in their decision-making process during the World Rugby off-field concussion-assessment screen (HIA1).MethodsRetrospective study of examining doctor clinical judgement in 1149 HIA1 assessments after a meaningful head impact event completed on rugby union players participating in elite-level international and national competitions between September 2015 and June 2018. We assessed (1) an abnormal subtest result as worse performance compared with preseason baseline values; (2) the proportion of cases where clinicians overruled abnormal HIA1 assessment subtest results and (3) made recommendations on how clinical judgement decisions may be made more safely based on the accuracy of clinical judgement decisions assessed against the final concussion diagnosis.ResultsOne or more subtests were abnormal compared with baseline values in 857 of 1149 HIA1 assessments. Clinical judgement was used to return players to the game despite abnormal subtest results on 424 out of 857 occasions (49%). In a significant majority of cases 356/424 (84%), clinical judgement decisions were correct, with players later cleared of a concussion. An application of guided clinical judgement potentially decreased false negative assessments by 33% (21/63).ConclusionsClinical judgement should be applied in the diagnosis of concussion but done so cautiously. We propose doctors should only use clinical judgement to overrule either one of; or a combination of (1) an abnormal tandem gait and (2) one abnormal cognitive test.

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Brustio, Paolo Riccardo, Adam Leigh Kelly, Corrado Lupo, and Alexandru Nicolae Ungureanu. "The Influence of Contextual Factors on the Relative Age Effect in Male International Rugby Union: The Impact of Sociocultural Influences and Playing Position." Children 9, no. 12 (December 10, 2022): 1941. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/children9121941.

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The purpose of this study is not only to establish whether the relative age effect (RAE) exists in male international rugby union players, but also to investigate the impact of sociocultural influences (i.e., northern and southern hemispheres) and playing position (i.e., backs, forwards, and scrum-halves). The birth date and the playing position of 7144 senior male professional rugby players included in the rosters of the season 2020–2021 were collected from the top 10 nations of the World Rugby rankings (i.e., Argentina, Australia, England, France, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales). Data were analyzed using a chi-square goodness-of-fit test to compare the observed and expected birth quarter (Q) distributions. Results showed that relatively older players were overrepresented in all the sample (p < 0.001; Q1 = 28.8% vs. Q4 = 20.3%). In players competing in both hemispheres, the RAE was weak despite a more pronounced RAE emerging for southern players. In addition, the RAE was present in backs and forwards, but inconsistent for scrum-halves. In general, the data suggest that relatively older players may be more likely to reach expertise at senior levels than their later-born peers, and that the effect was consistent in different sociocultural contexts as well as in backs and forwards.

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Kirk, Ben, Jamie Pugh, Rosanna Cousins, and Shaun Phillips. "Concussion in University Level Sport: Knowledge and Awareness of Athletes and Coaches." Sports 6, no. 4 (September 20, 2018): 102. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/sports6040102.

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Using a cross-sectional survey concussion knowledge was evaluated among forty university-level athletes (n = 20, rugby union players; n = 20, Gaelic football players) and eight experienced team coaches (n = 2, rugby union; n = 2, Gaelic football; n = 1, soccer; n = 1, hockey; n = 1, netball; n = 1, basketball). Levels of knowledge of concussion were high across all participants. Coaches had higher knowledge scores for almost all areas; however, there was evidence of important gaps even in this group. Knowledge was not sufficient in identifying concussion, and when it is safe to return to play following a concussion. Impaired knowledge of how to recognise a concussion, and misunderstanding the need for rest and rehabilitation before return to play presents a hazard to health from second impact and more catastrophic brain injury. We discuss reasons for these guideline misconceptions, and suggest that attitude issues on the significance of concussion may underlie a willingness to want to play with a concussion. This suggests the current education on sport-related concussion needs to be expanded for the appropriate management of university-level contact sports.

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Habka, D., S. Laporte, J. Piscione, and D. Gamet. "Biomechanical study of impact engagement in rugby union scrummaging of front row player." Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering 10, sup1 (January 2007): 43–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10255840701479743.

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Cousins, Ben E. W., John G. Morris, Caroline Sunderland, Mary E. Nevill, Anthony M. Bennett, and Simon B. Cooper. "Impact of Workload on Time-Loss Incidence Rates in Elite Rugby Union Players." Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 51, Supplement (June 2019): 956. http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000563368.75996.00.

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Fuller, Gordon Ward, Matthew J. Cross, Keith A. Stokes, and Simon P. T. Kemp. "King-Devick concussion test performs poorly as a screening tool in elite rugby union players: a prospective cohort study of two screening tests versus a clinical reference standard." British Journal of Sports Medicine 53, no. 24 (March 21, 2018): 1526–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-098560.

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BackgroundThe King-Devick (KD) test is an objective clinical test of eye movements that has been used to screen for concussion. We characterised the accuracy of the KD test and the World Rugby Head Injury Assessment (HIA-1) screening tools as methods of off-field evaluation for concussion after a suspicious head impact event.MethodsA prospective cohort study was performed in elite English rugby union competitions between September 2016 and May 2017. The study population comprised consecutive players identified with a head impact event with the potential to result in concussion. The KD test was administered off-field, alongside the World Rugby HIA-1 screening tool, and the results were compared with the preseason baseline. Accuracy was measured against a reference standard of confirmed concussion, based on the clinical judgement of the team doctor after serial assessments.Results145 head injury events requiring off-field medical room screening assessments were included in the primary analysis. The KD test demonstrated a sensitivity of 60% (95% CI 49.0 to 70) and a specificity of 39% (95% CI 26 to 54) in identifying players subsequently diagnosed with concussion. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for prolonged KD test times was 0.51 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.61). The World Rugby HIA-1 off-field screening tool sensitivity did not differ significantly from the KD test (sensitivity 75%, 95% CI 66 to 83, P=0.08), but specificity was significantly higher (91%, 95% CI 82 to 97, P<0.001). Although combining the KD test and the World Rugby HIA-1 multimodal screening assessment achieved a significantly higher sensitivity of 93% (95% CI 86% to 97%), there was a significantly lower specificity of 33% (95% CI 21% to 48%), compared with the HIA-1 test alone.ConclusionsThe KD test demonstrated limited accuracy as a stand-alone remove-from-play sideline screening test for concussion. As expected with the addition of any parallel test, combination of the KD test with the HIA-1 off-field screening tool provided improved sensitivity in identifying concussion, but at the expense of markedly lower specificity. These results suggest that it is unlikely that the KD test will be incorporated into multimodal off-field screening assessments for concussion at the present time.

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Tucker, Ross, Eanna Falvey, Gordon Fuller, James Craig Brown, and Martin Raftery. "Effect of a concussion on subsequent baseline SCAT performance in professional rugby players: a retrospective cohort study in global elite Rugby Union." BMJ Open 10, no. 8 (August 2020): e036894. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-036894.

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ObjectivesThis study assessed whether concussion affects subsequent baseline performance in professional rugby players. Annual baseline screening tests are used to guide return-to-play decisions and concussion diagnosis during subsequent screens. It is important that baseline performances are appropriate and valid for the duration of a season and unaffected by factors unrelated to the current head impact event. One such factor may be a concussion following baseline assessment.SettingThe World Rugby concussion management database for global professional Rugby Union.Participants501 professional rugby players with two baseline Sports Concussion Assessment Tools (SCATs) and an intervening concussion (CONC) were compared with 1190 control players with successive annual SCAT5s and no diagnosed concussion (CONT).Primary and secondary outcome measuresSymptom endorsement, cognitive and balance performance during annual SCAT baseline assessments.ResultsPlayers with a diagnosed concussion (CONC) endorsed fewer symptoms (change −0.42, 95% CI −0.75 to −0.09), and reported lower symptom severity scores during their second assessment (T2, p<0.001) than non-concussed players (CONT). Concussed players also improved Digits Backward and Final Concentration scores in T2 (p<0.001). Tandem gait time was improved during T2 in CONT. No other sub-mode differences were observed in either group.ConclusionsReduced symptom endorsement and improved cognitive performance after concussion may be the result of differences in the motivation of previously concussed players to avoid exclusion from play, leading to under-reporting of symptoms and greater effort in cognitive tests. Improved cognitive performance may be the result of familiarity with the tests as a result of greater exposure to concussion screening. The changes are small and unlikely to have clinical significance in most cases, though clinicians should be mindful of possible reasons, possibly repeating sub-modes and investigating players whose baseline scores change significantly after concussion. The findings do not necessitate a change in the sport’s concussion management policy.

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Danielle, Salmon, Jayden Pinfold, S. John Sullivan, Gray Andrew, Ed Lodge, Osborne Hamish, and Tong Darryl. "Descriptive analysis of head impact kinetics in a simulated rugby union tackle: preliminary findings." British Journal of Sports Medicine 51, no. 11 (May 25, 2017): A4.1—A4. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097270.8.

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Journal articles on the topic 'Rugby union impacts'

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