Lay of the land: narrative synthesis of tackle research in rugby union and rugby sevens

Abstract

ObjectivesThe purpose of this review was to synthesise both injury prevention and performance tackle-related research to provide rugby stakeholders with information on tackle injury epidemiology, including tackle injury risk factors and performance determinants, and to discuss potential preventative measures.DesignSystematic review and narrative synthesis.Data sourcesPubMed, Scopus and Web of Science.Eligibility criteriaLimited to peer-reviewed English-only publications between January 1995 and October 2018.ResultsA total of 317 studies were identified, with 177 in rugby union and 13 were in rugby sevens. The tackle accounted for more than 50% of all injuries in rugby union and rugby sevens, both at the professional level and at the lower levels, with the rate of tackle injuries higher at the professional level (mean 32/1000 player-hours) compared with the lower levels (mean 17/1000 player-hours). A player’s tackle actions and technical ability were identified as major risk factors for injury and a key determinant of performance.Summary/conclusionEvidence-based education, progressive tackle technique training with a high potential to transfer and law changes have been proposed as key modifiers of player tackle actions and technical ability. Conceivably, all three modifiers working in unison (as opposed to separately) will have a higher potential at reducing tackle injury risk while enhancing performance. With the guidance of tackle injury and performance studies, as well as stakeholder engagement, experiential and explorative tackle research has the potential to inspire innovative injury prevention and performance strategies.

Poor isometric neck extension strength as a risk factor for concussion in male professional Rugby Union players

“…It may be that international players find themselves in contact situations more regularly or they have a higher propensity for risk-taking behaviour, both of which may make them better players and, therefore, more likely to be selected at international level. The conclusions are supported in a recent review by Burger et al who found that concussive injuries are most likely to occur in rugby players playing at a higher level of competition 42…”

A game for all shapes and sizes? Changes in anthropometric and performance measures of elite professional rugby union players 1999–2018

“…37 The risk of tackle injury is nearly doubled in professional players relative to players from lower tiers of the game. 38 FF forwards are the most likely to be substituted (often after about an hour of a match) and are those who have the greatest momentum along with the BR. Notwithstanding the legal action being prosecuted by a group of former players diagnosed with dementia linked to repeated head injuries and early retirements due to injury, World Rugby has made rule changes (around tackle height) to reduce the number of concussive and subconcussive injuries sustained.…”

“…Still, it was noted that these injuries, typically the most severe, occur relatively more frequently towards the end of the match attributed to fatigue affecting tackle technique. 38 While it is feasible that better player conditioning for contact could mitigate some of the effects of increased momentum on injuries, the current substitution laws enable mismatches which may increase the risk of mistimed or misplaced collisions, especially later in the game. An open letter from the Progressive Rugby organisation has directly called substitutions to be used for injury only ( https://progressiverugby.org/ ).…”

“…In a game where the number of collision events (tackles and rucks) per fixture has increased from 139 at the 1999 Rugby World Cup to 211 in 2019, and the number of ball carries gone up by 27% in the same timeframe, this is of particular relevance given the current concerns for player welfare 37. The risk of tackle injury is nearly doubled in professional players relative to players from lower tiers of the game 38. FF forwards are the most likely to be substituted (often after about an hour of a match) and are those who have the greatest momentum along with the BR.…”

SARS-CoV-2 transmission during team-sport: Do players develop COVID-19 after participating in rugby league matches with SARS-CoV-2 positive players?

“…Furthermore, the risks of virus transmission events during off-field behaviours (conversations and socialising), should remain a priority for community team sports who are returning. [24]…”