Injury incidence in our study is similar to that reported for international sevens, although severity is lower. An association between training loads and the occurrence of injuries was found for both tiers, although with differential results, thus reinforcing the need to customize players' preparation. Further studies at non-elite competitions are needed to gather significant data to accurately formulate future injury prevention protocols or recommend modifications to game laws or competition formats, aiming at players' welfare.

Rugby is one of the team sports with the highest incidence rate of injuries per exposure time. These mainly occur in specific sport movements such as the tackle, ruck, or maul. Therefore, it is important to understand the sports’ specificities and biomechanics and link them with its risk and injury type. The most common reported injuries are musculotendinous and ligament ruptures of the lower limbs, however, we highlight the important incidence of severe head and neck injuries, like cerebral concussion and cervical spine fractures. It is essential to gather data that enable us to characterize the risk and specify of each movement performed by the athlete, to make more effective programs on injury-prevention and rehabilitation of injured athletes, always focusing on their full recovery and reinjure risk reduction.

Introduction: Rugby Sevens is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, especially the sevens variant after its inclusion in the Summer Olympics’ programme. The Portuguese University Sevens Championship is an amateur tournament that takes place every year. Objectives: To gather a set of relevant data regarding the profile of the Portuguese university rugby sevens’ players, as well as the epidemiology of injuries at this level of competition. Methodology: Firstly, an observational study was conducted to collect data regarding each player anthropometry, individual experience, training habits and warm-up routines. Secondly, a prospective cohort study including all participating athletes was conducted, to identify and describe all injuries occurring during the competition. A follow-up period until the return to sport from all injured players was conducted. Results: A total of 87 players from 8 teams competed in the tournament. On average, athlete’s heighted 178.6 cm (± 6.65) and weighted 83.34 kg (± 11.22). Total match exposure was 53.67 player match-hours and the injury incidence rate was 186.2 per 1000 player match-hours (94.7-332.4, CI 95%). Average severity was 26.6 days (± 6.23). Most injuries occurred on the second half (n=6), following contact events with the opponent (n=8). Lower limb (n=6) and joint/ligament (n=7) injuries were the most frequent. Discussion: The overall injury incidence rate was higher than any previously reported in the literature. Insufficient training and warm-up routines of the injured players strengthens the idea that these are key elements in injury prevention. The small sample limits the results' statistical significance. Conclusions: Similar but larger studies must be conducted to gain better knowledge of the individual profile of the Portuguese university rugby player and the burden of injuries at this level of competition.

Introduction: Rugby Sevens is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, especially the sevens variant after its inclusion in the Summer Olympics’ programme. The Portuguese University Sevens Championship is an amateur tournament that takes place every year. Objectives: To gather a set of relevant data regarding the profile of the Portuguese university rugby sevens’ players, as well as the epidemiology of injuries at this level of competition. Methodology: Firstly, an observational study was conducted to collect data regarding each player anthropometry, individual experience, training habits and warm-up routines. Secondly, a prospective cohort study including all participating athletes was conducted, to identify and describe all injuries occurring during the competition. A follow-up period until the return to sport from all injured players was conducted. Results: A total of 87 players from 8 teams competed in the tournament. On average, athlete’s heighted 178.6 cm (± 6.65) and weighted 83.34 kg (± 11.22). Total match exposure was 53.67 player match-hours and the injury incidence rate was 186.2 per 1000 player match-hours (94.7-332.4, CI 95%). Average severity was 26.6 days (± 6.23). Most injuries occurred on the second half (n=6), following contact events with the opponent (n=8). Lower limb (n=6) and joint/ligament (n=7) injuries were the most frequent. Discussion: The overall injury incidence rate was higher than any previously reported in the literature. Insufficient training and warm-up routines of the injured players strengthens the idea that these are key elements in injury prevention. The small sample limits the results' statistical significance. Conclusions: Similar but larger studies must be conducted to gain better knowledge of the individual profile of the Portuguese university rugby player and the burden of injuries at this level of competition.