Epidemiology of rugby injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Abstract

Objective

To report pooled injury incidence rates stratified by rugby format, level of play, injury outcome and sex, and to identify the most common injury sites and types.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science and Scopus) were searched for inception to October 2024 following registration on PROSPERO.

Eligibility criteria

Reports reporting injury incidence per 1000 player hours in rugby were included. Pooled incidence rates with 95% CIs were estimated using a random effects model. Injuries were analysed by exposure type, anatomical location, injury type, rugby format, injury outcome and sex. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-A

SUBMITTER: Laaksonen J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12766780 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature