Injury Patterns in Rugby Union—America's Fastest Growing Sport

Abstract

Rugby union is the fastest growing sport in the USA, and its growth is only expected to continue to climb with the approaching 2023 Rugby World Cup. Rugby union carries risk for general and sport-specific injury. Tackles and high- impact collisions are a regular component of the game, and although often compared to American football, rugby union carries a unique pattern of injuries, with certain injuries occurring at a significantly higher rate. This review is aimed at familiarizing our orthopaedic workforce to the sport of rugby union and the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of the rugby union athlete. Injury prevention strategies guided by epidemiology, risk factors, and mechanisms of injury in rugby union athletes are critical. Key Concepts: • Rugby union is a rapidly growing sport with a unique pattern of injury distinct from American football. • Managing in competition head injuries is similar to all sporting competition and is relevant in preventing sequela such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy. • Proper tackling form is imperative for injury prevention, particularly injuries to the head and shoulder. • Lower extremity injuries, particularly those at the thigh and knee, account for the greatest amount of time lost to injury.