Epidemiology of the Injuries Sustained by Elite Spanish under-18 and under-20 Rugby Players

Abstract

This study examine the injuries suffered by players (n=166) of the Spanish national men’s under-18 and under-20 rugby teams between 2015 and 2017, and identifies the actions involved in their appearance. All injuries (total n=78) sustained during matches and training were recorded as recommended by World Rugby, and injury incidence rates per 1000 player-hours (ph) calculated for both types of activity. Injuries occurred more commonly during matches than during training (incidence 105.3 [95%CI 78.7-131.9] per 1000 [ph] of match play, vs. 1.16 [95%CI0.69-1.62] per 1000 ph of training), and most days absent per 1000 ph during matches with <3 days rest since the previous match (4209.2 [95%CI 3516.2-4902.1] per 1000 ph of match play, vs. 1947.4 [95%CI 1511.8-2382.9] per 1000 ph of match play in matches with >3 days rest). These results provide information that may be useful in the development of strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of injuries.

Epidemiological Study of Injuries in the Spanish Men’s Senior National Rugby XV Team

“…These results are higher than those found in amateur or junior rugby, where the injury rate lies between 23.7 and 46.8 injuries per 1000 ph [3,8]. They are also similar to injuries reported for the Spanish under 18's and under 20's [20]. Yet even though we are dealing with the same population, the incidence of injury in international competition is higher than that reported for Spanish national competition [19].…”

“…So, it is unknown whether the injury incidence in these players correlates with the competitive level or relates to what is observed in amateur rugby. Since studies for Spain are limited and data are contradictory, further research on the pinpointing of accurate incidence rates is necessary to tailor effective injury prevention strategies [19,20]. Furthermore, these international players have access to medical attention all day every day during competition and this would mean more accurate injury diagnosis, unlike national league training, where there is no medical attention during the sessions.…”