One Out Of Five Schoolboy Rugby Players Injuries Caused To The Head

A major study has revealed one out of five injuries sustained to schoolboy rugby players in Northern Ireland were to the head.

Researchers at Ulster University, in collaboration with the Rugby Injury Surveillance Ulster Schools (RISUS) group, revealed the results, that for the first time ever is exploring the types and causes of injuries in schoolboy rugby across Northern Ireland.

The three year research project, was carried out in 28 grammar schools across Northern Ireland, involving 825 players on 1st XV rugby squads with an average age of 16.9 years.

Ulster Rugby Medical Director, Mike Webb, added: "The research shows that one out of five injuries sustained to schoolboy rugby players in Northern Ireland were injuries to the head, many of which were concussion. This concussion rate is higher than that reported in previous surveys of schoolboy rugby in England. However, this could be attributed to the drive in recent years by Ulster Rugby and IRFU to better educate players, coaches, referees and parents on the identification and management of this injury.

"The research showed that players displayed a very high adherence to the recommended IRFU return to play guidelines following a concussion which is extremely encouraging. There would appear to be a change in attitude when it comes to concussion both at professional and grassroots level of the sport, those involved in the game are less likely to take the risk of playing on after a potential incident. "

The research, which has been published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, was funded by the MITRE trust, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and Ulster Rugby.

Ligament damage accounted for 31.2 per cent of injuries followed by 19 per cent for concussion and 15.3 per cent for muscle damage. In addition, protective head guards or shoulder pads were not found to offer any additional protection from injuries to those areas.

Ulster University's research highlights that players were compliant with current graduated return to play regulations following concussion and suggests the prevalence of incidents could relate to better awareness and recognition of the brain injury.

Lead researcher, Dr Chris Bleakley from Ulster University said: "We discovered that over 50 per cent of injuries occurred in the tackle situation or during collisions, however the lighter players were less likely to sustain injuries. Larger players are used more during games and with their higher injury risk correlating to a higher volume of collisions, we recommend that this subgroup have their match load and training modified to lessen injury risk.

"Interestingly, we found mixed patterns on the effect of protective equipment in rugby. Approximately a third of players reported regular use of shoulder pads or head guards but there is no evidence that these had any influence on injury risk. It indicates that wearing shoulder pads did not implicate risk of shoulder injury and that head guards did not reduce concussion risk.

"The results of this study will allow us to develop recommendations for future preventative strategies such as tackling techniques and training, ultimately minimising risk to rugby players at school level."

(CD)