Athlete Health Implications of Match Injuries in Portuguese Rugby Union

Abstract

Objective: Our aim was to report time-loss match injuries in Portugal’s “Divisão de Honra” (Portuguese first tier) in the 2022/2023 season, focusing on injury incidence, burden, anatomical region, and type, to assess their impact on athletes’ health and availability to play. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted monitoring injuries via an online form filled in by each team’s medical department, categorizing player position, as well as injury type, location, and severity. Incidence and burden were calculated per 1000 player-match-hours. Results: The overall injury incidence was 54.4 injuries per 1000 player-match-hours (95% CI 30.3–96.2). Forwards had higher injury incidence than backs. Lower limbs were the most affected locations—29 injuries/1000 h of exposure (95% CI 13.7–52.0). Sprain/ligaments injuries were the most common type of injury (14.4 injuries/1000 h (95% CI 3.7–30.0), followed by muscle injuries (8.1 injuries/1000 h 95% CI 4.9–11.5). Discussion: Injury incidence was higher than what is reported in amateur competitions and lower than for professionals. Injury severity was similar to that in other studies. Our study suggests a lower injury burden than in other semi-professional and elite leagues. These findings highlight the need for targeted injury prevention strategies in the Portuguese Rugby Union to increase athletes’ availability by decreasing injury incidence and/or burden. Further research with broader participation and training injury data is needed.