Rugby Europe has taken significant strides toward safeguarding player welfare by implementing advanced injury surveillance studies across major tournaments and launching new research initiatives on concussion management.
With the support of the Regional Player Welfare Research Centre the organization continues to prioritize the health and safety of its athletes.
Key Findings from the Rugby Europe XV Competitions Injury Surveillance Report
A comprehensive injury surveillance study was conducted during the 2023 and 2024 Rugby Europe XV tournaments. This study adhered to World Rugby protocols and aimed to provide insights into injury incidence, severity, and burden across both men's and women's competitions.
- In the men's competitions, REC 2023 reported the highest incidence of injuries at 77.5 / 1000 match hours, compared to 56.3 in REC 2024 and 35.0 in the Super Cup 2023. Across all tournaments, forwards sustained more injuries than backs.
- The women's competitions displayed a similar injury profile, with WREC 2023 and WREC 2024 recording 4 and 5 injuries, respectively. However, WREC 2023 saw a higher injury incidence of 33.3 injuries / 1000 match hours.
The severity of injuries also varied, with Rugby Europe Championship 2024 showing the highest severity among men, with an average of 47 days missed per injury, and Women's Rugby Europe Championship 2023 leading the women’s tournaments, with 151 days missed.
Injury Burden and Most Affected Areas In terms of injury burden, REC 2023 had the highest among men, with 2821 days lost / 1000 match hours, and WREC 2023 recorded 5050 days lost / 1000 match hours for women. The most common injuries occurred in the head/face and lower limbs, with concussions being particularly prevalent, comprising up to 26.6% of injuries in men.
Cutting-Edge Research on Concussion Management
In parallel with these injury surveillance efforts, Rugby Europe has partnered with experts from the European Rugby Injury Surveillance Team to explore the biomechanics of concussions using innovative technology, such as inertial sensors embedded in mouthguards. This research aims to establish a predictive model for concussion symptom remission, offering insights into the relationship between head impact mechanics and recovery time. The study promises to influence future strategies for managing concussions in rugby, improving both short- and long-term outcomes for players.
The collaboration brings together an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals and engineers, highlighting Rugby Europe’s commitment to advancing evidence-based solutions for player safety.
A Commitment to Player Welfare
The establishment of the Regional Player Welfare Research Centre underlines Rugby Europe’s dedication to player welfare across all competitions. By utilizing data from these injury surveillance studies, the organization aims to better understand and mitigate the risks faced by athletes on the field. The insights gained will inform policies and interventions designed to keep rugby safe, appealing, and enjoyable for players at all levels.
