Epidemiology of Injuries in US Women's University Rugby-7's: A Five-Year Analysis

PURPOSE: Rugby-7's, with its high injury rates, is a growing U.S. university women’s collision sport. Despite this, there is a lack of data on injury incidence in the women’s university population. The aim of this study was to determine incidence and cause of match injuries. METHODS: A prospective epidemiology study of women university players at USA Rugby 7-a-side sanctioned-events and USA Rugby-7's Championships (2012-2016). Injury data (injuries/1000 playing hours (ph)) were captured via the Rugby Injury Survey & Evaluation Report. RESULTS: A total of 71 injuries were encountered with a total injury rate of 107.9/1000 ph (time-loss = 41.0/1000 ph; medical attention = 48.6/1000 ph; P = 0.5190). The majority of injuries during play were acute (94.4%) compared to gradual onset (4.2%, P < 0.0001). New injuries (80.3%) were more frequent compared to recurrent injuries (19.7%, P < 0.0001). The tackle was the phase of play most likely to generate an injury (69.0%, n = 49), followed by open play/running (15.5%, n = 11). Tackle injuries were significantly higher among backs (90.43/1000 ph) compared to forwards (42.55/1000 ph, P = 0.0202). Backs also (45.2/1000 ph) had a higher incidence of time-loss injuries than forwards (24.8/1000 ph, P = 0.1808). Among time-loss injuries, the most common injuries were sprains/ligament injuries (28.6%) and concussions (26.0%). Among recurrent injuries, sprains/ligament injuries were most frequent (42.9%). Overall, lower extremity injuries (45.1%, n = 32) were most common. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of injury patterns in women’s university rugby-7's athletes will help in the development of women’s-specific injury prevention measures and guidance on return-to-play protocols. Sprain and ligament injuries among lower extremities were the highest proportion among acute time-loss injuries and recurrent injuries. Tackling generated the most injuries, especially among backs. Evidence-based data would guide tackling technique and breakfall training focused on this cohort of women’s athletes. Proper warm-up regimens and consistent compliance with return-to-play protocols could help address sprains and ligament injuries. Grants: USAR’s Empire/New England RFUs & HSS-ISMR (ID 2028), National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (44-16), NC, USA