Playing surface and UK professional rugby union injury risk |
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| Authors: | Craig Ranson Jonathan George James Rafferty John Miles Isabel Moore |
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| Institution: | 1. Athlete Health, English Institute of Sport, Manchester, UK;2. Medical Department, Saracens Rugby Club, St. Albans, UK;3. Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK;4. Medical Department, Welsh Rugby Union, Cardiff, UK;5. Cardiff School of Sport &6. Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK |
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| Abstract: | Artificial rugby union playing surface installation is increasing. This prospective cohort study aimed to examine the effect of playing surface on match injury types within 157 players of two UK professional rugby union clubs playing 209 matches (96 on artificial surfaces and 113 on grass) over three seasons. There was no difference in overall injury risk between the two playing surfaces with injury incidence on artificial 80.2 (CI 69.9–91.7) and on grass 81.9 per 1000 match-hours (CI 72.2–92.5), with an incidence rate ratio (RR) of 0.98 (CI 0.82–1.17). There was a higher rate of concussion (RR 0.52, CI 0.34 – 0.78) and chest injuries on grass (RR 0.26 CI 0.07, 0.95), and a higher rate of thigh haematoma (RR 2.25, CI 1.05–4.82) foot injuries (RR 4.12, CI 1.10, 15.40) and injury to players being tackled (RR 1.46, CI 1.00, 2.15) on artificial. Whilst there was no higher injury risk for matches played on artificial versus natural grass surfaces, the higher incidence of concussion and chest injury on grass, and the higher rate of foot injuries on artificial surfaces may be related to tackle and footwear-to-surface interface factors. |
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| Keywords: | Rugby union injury artificial turf natural grass playing surface |
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