A prospective study of the incidence and nature of injuries to adult rugby players.

Clark, D.R.; Roux, C.; Noakes, T.D.

Abstract

The incidence and nature of injuries occurring in 8 adult club rugby teams was followed prospectively during the 1988 rugby season. The findings were compared with those from two similar studies in schoolboy rugby players. A total of 114 injuries were sustained by 78 players; 85% of injuries occurred during matches. Injury was most prevalent during the first 8 weeks of the season and again after the mid-season break. Hookers (19%), wings (15%), fullbacks (11%) and centres (10%) were the players most often injured. Injury occurred most commonly when the player was tackled (26%), during open play (21%) and during the loose scrum 17%). Muscles (33%) and ligaments (32%) were the anatomical strutures most often injured. Injury caused 35% of injured players to miss more than 35 days of rugby. Thirteen percent of injured players did not play again for the rest of the season and only 14% of injured players returned to rugby after 7 days or less. Prolonged disability was associated with ligament injuries (57%), dislocations (17%) and fractures (10%).

Citation

CLARK, D.R., ROUX, C. and NOAKES, T.D. 1990. A prospective study of the incidence and nature of injuries to adult rugby players. South African medical journal [online], 77(6), pages 559-562. Available from: http://tinyurl.com/ye295aea

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 30, 1989
• Online Publication Date: Jun 2, 1990
• Publication Date: Jun 2, 1990
• Deposit Date: Feb 6, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 12, 2024
• Journal: South African medical journal
• Print ISSN: 0256-9574
• Electronic ISSN: 2078-5135
• Publisher: Health and Medical Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 77
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 559-562
• Keywords: Injuries; Rugby players; Nature of injuries; Incidences
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2234909