The risk factors and predictors of injury among collegiate rugby players under the age of 20.

Background: The risk of injury in rugby is high, due to the contact nature of the game. Players are constantly exposed to impact and collision during training and match-play. Rugby union consists of various risk factors that predispose players to injury. The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors of injury and to predict the risk of injury per playing position during match-play.

Methods: The study followed a quantitative, non-experimental, and cross-sectional research design. A total of 252 male rugby players, aged 18 to 20 years, who played in a collegiate rugby competition in South Africa (SA) for the 2022 season were conveniently sampled for the study. The playing position, time of injury (whether during a match or training), use of protective equipment, and phase of play in which the injury occurred were recorded. Injury data was captured by qualified healthcare professionals using an adapted injury surveillance questionnaire.

Results: The study found that potential risk factors for injury included illegal or dangerous play, playing in the second half of the match (more specifically the third quarter of the match), and playing in the offensive part of the field (more specifically between the opposition-22 and halfway line). Contact events were the most common cause of match injury (91.1%). The half of the match in which an injury was sustained was significantly different between forwards and backs (P=0.011). A statistically significant association was found between playing position and the phase of play in which injury was sustained (P=0.021). Regression analysis showed that playing between the opposition-22 m line and the halfway line was a significant predictor of injury for both forwards and backs (P=0.035).

Conclusions: In conclusion, potential risk factors for injury were related to dangerous play, time during the match (specifically the third quarter of the match), and location of play (specifically between the opposition-22 m line and halfway line). The area of play was a significant predictor of injury for all players. It is recommended that greater efforts in collecting epidemiological data need to be made to broaden the knowledge base on injuries and provide strategies to coaches and players to reduce the risk of injury in rugby.