Injury profiles in junior rugby academy players

Abstract

This study determined the profile of injuries in junior Rugby Academy players in Durban. Retrospective and prospective surveys allowed the determination of injury profiles pre-season and in-season. A sample of first year rugby players (n=102) was selected to participate in the study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The majority of participants were 18 years old (71.4%), and White (71.4%). Injury was prevalent in 43% of players with the majority of players reporting ‘no’ injury (56%) pre-season. Injury was sustained by 83% of players during the season. The majority of injured players (41.6%) reported ‘one’ or ‘more than one’ (41.6%) injuries. Number of injuries reported post-season (n=117) was three times higher than injuries pre-season. The body part most injured during the 2012 season was the knee (25%). Players lost 8-28 days of rugby (37%) due to injuries during the season. Injury prevalence was 1.18 per player compared to injury incidence of 1.52 per player. The injury rate was 5.95 injuries per 1000 match playing hours in season. Risk factors for injury during the 2012 season included the scrum-half (14.8%) playing position, and lack of protective equipment (69%) used during play. Significantly more players sustained injuries during the in-season of play. Lower limb injuries were more prevalent with knee injuries most commonly reported.

Keywords: rugby injuries, junior, injury rate.