Background: The incidence of injuries in rugby union has increased on both professional and amateur levels since the introduction of professionalism in 1995. Although rugby union is a body contact sport with an expected high injury rate, limited research has been done regarding the postural and biomechanical characteristics of the players and the effect these variables have on the incidence and nature of rugby union injuries. Large body size is a significant predictor of success in rugby union and the body mass and mesomorphy of players has increased over the last years. It has, however, not been thoroughly investigated whether changes in body composition have any effect on the incidence of rugby union injuries. Intrinsic risk factors that have been identified to contribute to rugby union injuries are Hyper-mobility of joints, lack of dynamic mobility and core stability, previous injuries, aerobic and anaerobic fitness as well as the personalities and characteristics of players which affect their on-field awareness. The findings of studies investigating the relation between player characteristics and rugby union injuries are inconsistent because of the differences in player characteristics under investigation and playing conditions, different research methodologies used as well as differences in the way injury is defined. Therefore, the need exists to determine the differences in the biomechanical, postural and anthropometrical characteristics of injured and uninjured rugby union players by making use of a prospective design and a standardized injury definition. Objectives: The objectives of this study were firstly, to determine the incidence and nature of injuries among U/21 rugby union players at the Rugby Institute (RI) of the North-West University (NWU) (South Africa) and secondly, to determine which of the selected biomechanical, postural and anthropometrical characteristics contributed to musculoskeletal injuries obtained during the first five months of the 2005 season. Method: s A prospective once-off subject availability study was performed that included forty-nine U/21-rugby union players of the RI of the NWU. Biomechanical, postural and anthropometrical assessments were performed on all subjects before the start of the 2005- season. All the injuries sustained during the first five months of the 2005 season were recorded by means of a validated rugby union injury report questionnaire. A stepwise discriminant analysis identified the independent variables that discriminated mostly between the players with and without injuries within the different body regions. Back-classification by means of the "Jack-knife method" determined whether the independent characteristics that were selected to contribute to injuries was valid and the effect size, I ("better than chance"), was then determined, with I > 0.3 accepted as practically significant. Results: A total of 66 injuries with an injury rate of 8.611000 training hours and 61.811000 game hours were reported. Severe injuries accounted for 53% of all injuries to forward players with the ankle being the most injured anatomical region. In the backline severe injuries accounted for 11% with the shoulder being the most injured region. The tackle was the phase of play in which most injuries occurred. The statistical analysis identified uneven hips, pronated feet, tight hamstrings, anatomical leg length differences, gait pronation and a tall stature to be practically significant predictors for lower extremity injuries (I>0.3). No practical significance was obtained for the selected biomechanical, postural and anthropometrical characteristics related to shoulder girdle as well as back or spine injuries. Conclusions: The conclusions that can be drawn from this study are that the injury incidence of rugby union players of the U/21-squad of the RI of the NWU is high in comparison with those of other club level players and that postural and biomechanical imbalances of the lower extremities may increase the risk for injury in this area. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Professional rugby union has grown to become the third most popular team contact sport in the world. The physical nature of the game results in a high prevalence of injuries on all levels of play. Injury prevalence as high as 83.9 injuries per 1000 playing hours has been reported for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France. Although research indicates schoolboy rugby union to be safer than professional rugby, injury rates as high as 65.8 injuries per 1000 playing hours have been reported. These injuries are mostly caused by the tackle situation, with the knee– and shoulder–joints being the most injured site. The risk of injuries in rugby union is heightened by professionalism, previous injuries, higher training demands, intrinsic factors and psychological issues. Due to the professional nature the game has taken on, the management of rugby union injuries has become increasingly more important. This should include prehabilitation or injury prevention programs, rehabilitation up until the final, sport specific phase as well as structured return to play testing. Another important aspect of injury management is the education of coaches, players and other persons involved in the sport. Objectives The first objective of the study was to observe the prevalence and nature of injuries in South African schoolboy rugby union players. Secondly, the treatment of these injuries was observed as well as the return to play criteria used to determine readiness to return to play after injury. The association between the treatment of injuries and the severity of injuries was then obtained. Lastly re–injury prevalence was compared to treatment received and return to play criteria used to determine readiness. Methods Ten schools from across South Africa partook in the study. The schools were all identified by the NWU–PUK as elite schools due to performances in the previous year (2008). Only the first team squad of each school was participated, amounting to a total number of 194 boys answering questionnaires conducted by the researcher for each of their injuries. The questionnaires included injury severity and site, recurrence of injury, cause of injury, treatment procedures and criteria used for return to play. Severity was defined in terms of game and training days missed due to injury and are describe as slight (0 – 1 day), minimal (2 - 3 days), mild (4 - 7 days), moderate (8 - 28 days) or severe (>28 days). The results were then analyzed and presented through descriptive statistics. Statistical significance was indicated by p <= 0.05. Practical significance was described by the Phi–coefficient. The practical significance indicated by phi, was indicated as large if phi >= 0.5. Results A total number of 118 injuries were reported amounting to 78.51 injuries per 1000 playing hours. New injuries accounted for 68.64% (n=81) while recurrent injuries was reported to be 31.36% (n=37). The most frequent site of injury was the knee (n=26), followed by the shoulder (n=21). The event leading to injury that was most frequently reported, was the tackle (including making the tackle and being tackled) (n=49). Most injuries were slight (48%) but a high rate of moderate and severe injuries (39%) were reported. These moderate to severe injuries resulted in a minimum total of 360 days missed. Severe injuries were more likely to be treated by a doctor. Treatment by a doctor for severe injuries indicated the only significance in the study (p = 0.7). No fixed return to play protocol was in place for deciding if a player should be allowed to return to play. Thirteen of the injuries were however investigated through further testing (either through isokinetic or on–field testing). Conclusion Injury prevalence amongst top teams in South African schoolboy rugby union is very high. Rehabilitation does not follow a structured program or guidelines and there is no definite return to play protocols available. Re–injury rates are high, possibly due to the lack of structured rehabilitation and return to play protocols. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Biokinetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Professional rugby union has grown to become the third most popular team contact sport in the world. The physical nature of the game results in a high prevalence of injuries on all levels of play. Injury prevalence as high as 83.9 injuries per 1000 playing hours has been reported for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France. Although research indicates schoolboy rugby union to be safer than professional rugby, injury rates as high as 65.8 injuries per 1000 playing hours have been reported. These injuries are mostly caused by the tackle situation, with the knee– and shoulder–joints being the most injured site. The risk of injuries in rugby union is heightened by professionalism, previous injuries, higher training demands, intrinsic factors and psychological issues. Due to the professional nature the game has taken on, the management of rugby union injuries has become increasingly more important. This should include prehabilitation or injury prevention programs, rehabilitation up until the final, sport specific phase as well as structured return to play testing. Another important aspect of injury management is the education of coaches, players and other persons involved in the sport. Objectives The first objective of the study was to observe the prevalence and nature of injuries in South African schoolboy rugby union players. Secondly, the treatment of these injuries was observed as well as the return to play criteria used to determine readiness to return to play after injury. The association between the treatment of injuries and the severity of injuries was then obtained. Lastly re–injury prevalence was compared to treatment received and return to play criteria used to determine readiness. Methods Ten schools from across South Africa partook in the study. The schools were all identified by the NWU–PUK as elite schools due to performances in the previous year (2008). Only the first team squad of each school was participated, amounting to a total number of 194 boys answering questionnaires conducted by the researcher for each of their injuries. The questionnaires included injury severity and site, recurrence of injury, cause of injury, treatment procedures and criteria used for return to play. Severity was defined in terms of game and training days missed due to injury and are describe as slight (0 – 1 day), minimal (2 - 3 days), mild (4 - 7 days), moderate (8 - 28 days) or severe (>28 days). The results were then analyzed and presented through descriptive statistics. Statistical significance was indicated by p <= 0.05. Practical significance was described by the Phi–coefficient. The practical significance indicated by phi, was indicated as large if phi >= 0.5. Results A total number of 118 injuries were reported amounting to 78.51 injuries per 1000 playing hours. New injuries accounted for 68.64% (n=81) while recurrent injuries was reported to be 31.36% (n=37). The most frequent site of injury was the knee (n=26), followed by the shoulder (n=21). The event leading to injury that was most frequently reported, was the tackle (including making the tackle and being tackled) (n=49). Most injuries were slight (48%) but a high rate of moderate and severe injuries (39%) were reported. These moderate to severe injuries resulted in a minimum total of 360 days missed. Severe injuries were more likely to be treated by a doctor. Treatment by a doctor for severe injuries indicated the only significance in the study (p = 0.7). No fixed return to play protocol was in place for deciding if a player should be allowed to return to play. Thirteen of the injuries were however investigated through further testing (either through isokinetic or on–field testing). Conclusion Injury prevalence amongst top teams in South African schoolboy rugby union is very high. Rehabilitation does not follow a structured program or guidelines and there is no definite return to play protocols available. Re–injury rates are high, possibly due to the lack of structured rehabilitation and return to play protocols. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Biokinetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The present thesis explored various applications of training specificity with regard to elite-level rugby union football players of various ages. A novel approach to metabolic conditioning employing skill-based conditioning games was investigated with elite-level senior professional players, during the course of a preseason training period. Training responses were assessed using a submaximal intermittent shuttle test performed at weekly intervals. Significant differences post-training (p<0.01) were observed for %HRmax reached during the final test stage and recovery of HR from the end of the final stage to the end of the final 1-minute rest period. The second study examined effectiveness of a circuit format for strength training in elite senior professional players during a preseason training period. Following the circuit based strength training, deadlift and bench pull I-RM strength scores were significantly improved both in comparison to pre-tests (p<0.01) and end season scores (p<0.01). Bench press scores were also significantly improved following the training period (p<0.01), and post-test bench press scores were improved relative to end season scores, albeit to a lesser extent (p<0.05). An Olympic lift training intervention was undertaken with Junior academy-level rugby union players. The effect of the application of these lifts on mean power output measured using test apparatus that simulated the ruck clean movement featured in rugby union football was examined. The considerably greater increases of the training group on this measure (28% vs 8%) were reflected in greater statistical significance (p<0.01) relative to the improvement for the control group (p<0.05). A significant interaction effect also indicated the training groups responded significantly differently on the test measure following training. A weighted ballistic push up training mode, incorporating a prototype shoulder harness, was investigated in a group of junior academy-level rugby football players. The training group recorded significant improvements in work output measured using a concentric-only push test (p<0.05), whereas countermovement push-up test scores approached significance (P=0.063). The final study employed an overweight ball complex training intervention. Following training the elite academy professional players who served as subjects showed significant improvements (p<0.05) in right-handed and left-handed mean and peak pass velocities.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Canterbury, 2000. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 250-274). Also available via the World Wide Web.

O rugby union XV é um esporte coletivo e de invasão praticado em um campo gramado por duas equipes compostas por 15 jogadores cada e divididos em dois grupos denominados forwards (8 jogadores) e backs (7 jogadores) de acordo com a função desempenhada durante a partida. As demandas física e fisiológica do rugby exigem que os atletas recuperem suas reservas energéticas em pequenos intervalos ou durante exercícios de baixa intensidade. Desta forma, o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2Máx), indicador de potência aeróbia, torna-se uma variável importante para o desempenho na modalidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a possibilidade de predizer a potência aeróbia em jogadores amadores de rugby union XV utilizando os testes de campo Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1) e 5 m Multiple Shuttle Test (5-m MST). Para isso, 42 jogadores, 22 forwards e 20 backs, foram avaliados em três etapas: (1) em laboratório com teste máximo em esteira; (2) teste de campo definido por sorteio na primeira etapa; e (3) segundo teste de campo. Com os dados obtidos nos três testes foram realizadas análises descritivas, de comparação, de correlação, de regressão e de concordância. Dentre os principais resultados, backs, em comparação a forwards, apresentaram maior VO2Máx (respectivamente, 61,7 ± 15 ml.kg-1.min-1 e 51,6 ± 10,1 ml.kg-1.min-1), resultado no Yo- Yo IRT1 (respectivamente, 16,4 ± 0,8 e 14,9 ± 0,9) e distância final no Yo-Yo IRT1 (respectivamente, 1283,3± 312,5 m e 792 ± 277,6 m). Foram encontradas correlações significativas entre resultado final e distância final total obtidas no Yo-Yo IRT1 e o VO2Máx relativo a massa corporal (respectivamente, r = 0,425 e r = 0,459). Utilizandose a distância final percorrida no Yo-Yo IRT1, o VO2Máx, em jogadores de rugby, pode ser estimado com a aplicação da equação VO2Máx = 0,016(DIST Yo-Yo) + 40,578. / Rugby Union XV is a sport played in pitches by two teams of 15 players each. The players are divided into two groups according to the role in the game: the forwards (8 players) and the backs (7 players). During a match, the physical and physiological demands of rugby require that athletes recover its energy reserves in shorts intervals or during low-intensity exercise. Thus, the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2Max), an aerobic power index, becomes an important variable for the performance in the discipline. The objective of this study was to verify the possibility to predict the aerobic power in rugby union XV amateur players using the field tests Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1) and 5 m Multiple Shuttle Test (5-m MST). Forty-two players, 22 forwards and 20 backs, were evaluated in three phases: (1) in a laboratory with maximum treadmill test; (2) field test set by a draw in the first phase; and (3) second field test. Descriptive, comparison, correlation, regression and level of agreement analyses were performed. Among the mayor results, backs, compared with forwards, reported a higher VO2Max (respectively 61.7 ± 15 ml.kg-1.min-1 and 51.6 ± 10.1 ml.kg- 1.min-1), Yo-Yo IRT1 results (respectively 16.4 ± 0.8 and 14.9 ± 0.9), and Yo-Yo IRT1 total distance (respectively 1283.3± 312.5 m e 792 ± 277.6 m). Significant correlations were found between the result and total distance on the Yo-Yo IRT1 and the VO2Max (respectively r = 0.425 and r = 0.459). Using the total distance covered on the Yo-Yo IRT1, the VO2Max in rugby players, can be estimated using the equation VO2Max = 0.016(DIST Yo-Yo) + 40.578.

O rugby union XV é um esporte coletivo e de invasão praticado em um campo gramado por duas equipes compostas por 15 jogadores cada e divididos em dois grupos denominados forwards (8 jogadores) e backs (7 jogadores) de acordo com a função desempenhada durante a partida. As demandas física e fisiológica do rugby exigem que os atletas recuperem suas reservas energéticas em pequenos intervalos ou durante exercícios de baixa intensidade. Desta forma, o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2Máx), indicador de potência aeróbia, torna-se uma variável importante para o desempenho na modalidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a possibilidade de predizer a potência aeróbia em jogadores amadores de rugby union XV utilizando os testes de campo Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1) e 5 m Multiple Shuttle Test (5-m MST). Para isso, 42 jogadores, 22 forwards e 20 backs, foram avaliados em três etapas: (1) em laboratório com teste máximo em esteira; (2) teste de campo definido por sorteio na primeira etapa; e (3) segundo teste de campo. Com os dados obtidos nos três testes foram realizadas análises descritivas, de comparação, de correlação, de regressão e de concordância. Dentre os principais resultados, backs, em comparação a forwards, apresentaram maior VO2Máx (respectivamente, 61,7 ± 15 ml.kg-1.min-1 e 51,6 ± 10,1 ml.kg-1.min-1), resultado no Yo- Yo IRT1 (respectivamente, 16,4 ± 0,8 e 14,9 ± 0,9) e distância final no Yo-Yo IRT1 (respectivamente, 1283,3± 312,5 m e 792 ± 277,6 m). Foram encontradas correlações significativas entre resultado final e distância final total obtidas no Yo-Yo IRT1 e o VO2Máx relativo a massa corporal (respectivamente, r = 0,425 e r = 0,459). Utilizandose a distância final percorrida no Yo-Yo IRT1, o VO2Máx, em jogadores de rugby, pode ser estimado com a aplicação da equação VO2Máx = 0,016(DIST Yo-Yo) + 40,578. / Rugby Union XV is a sport played in pitches by two teams of 15 players each. The players are divided into two groups according to the role in the game: the forwards (8 players) and the backs (7 players). During a match, the physical and physiological demands of rugby require that athletes recover its energy reserves in shorts intervals or during low-intensity exercise. Thus, the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2Max), an aerobic power index, becomes an important variable for the performance in the discipline. The objective of this study was to verify the possibility to predict the aerobic power in rugby union XV amateur players using the field tests Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1) and 5 m Multiple Shuttle Test (5-m MST). Forty-two players, 22 forwards and 20 backs, were evaluated in three phases: (1) in a laboratory with maximum treadmill test; (2) field test set by a draw in the first phase; and (3) second field test. Descriptive, comparison, correlation, regression and level of agreement analyses were performed. Among the mayor results, backs, compared with forwards, reported a higher VO2Max (respectively 61.7 ± 15 ml.kg-1.min-1 and 51.6 ± 10.1 ml.kg- 1.min-1), Yo-Yo IRT1 results (respectively 16.4 ± 0.8 and 14.9 ± 0.9), and Yo-Yo IRT1 total distance (respectively 1283.3± 312.5 m e 792 ± 277.6 m). Significant correlations were found between the result and total distance on the Yo-Yo IRT1 and the VO2Max (respectively r = 0.425 and r = 0.459). Using the total distance covered on the Yo-Yo IRT1, the VO2Max in rugby players, can be estimated using the equation VO2Max = 0.016(DIST Yo-Yo) + 40.578.

O rugby union XV é um esporte coletivo e de invasão praticado em um campo gramado por duas equipes compostas por 15 jogadores cada e divididos em dois grupos denominados forwards (8 jogadores) e backs (7 jogadores) de acordo com a função desempenhada durante a partida. As demandas física e fisiológica do rugby exigem que os atletas recuperem suas reservas energéticas em pequenos intervalos ou durante exercícios de baixa intensidade. Desta forma, o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2Máx), indicador de potência aeróbia, torna-se uma variável importante para o desempenho na modalidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a possibilidade de predizer a potência aeróbia em jogadores amadores de rugby union XV utilizando os testes de campo Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1) e 5 m Multiple Shuttle Test (5-m MST). Para isso, 42 jogadores, 22 forwards e 20 backs, foram avaliados em três etapas: (1) em laboratório com teste máximo em esteira; (2) teste de campo definido por sorteio na primeira etapa; e (3) segundo teste de campo. Com os dados obtidos nos três testes foram realizadas análises descritivas, de comparação, de correlação, de regressão e de concordância. Dentre os principais resultados, backs, em comparação a forwards, apresentaram maior VO2Máx (respectivamente, 61,7 ± 15 ml.kg-1.min-1 e 51,6 ± 10,1 ml.kg-1.min-1), resultado no Yo- Yo IRT1 (respectivamente, 16,4 ± 0,8 e 14,9 ± 0,9) e distância final no Yo-Yo IRT1 (respectivamente, 1283,3± 312,5 m e 792 ± 277,6 m). Foram encontradas correlações significativas entre resultado final e distância final total obtidas no Yo-Yo IRT1 e o VO2Máx relativo a massa corporal (respectivamente, r = 0,425 e r = 0,459). Utilizandose a distância final percorrida no Yo-Yo IRT1, o VO2Máx, em jogadores de rugby, pode ser estimado com a aplicação da equação VO2Máx = 0,016(DIST Yo-Yo) + 40,578. / Rugby Union XV is a sport played in pitches by two teams of 15 players each. The players are divided into two groups according to the role in the game: the forwards (8 players) and the backs (7 players). During a match, the physical and physiological demands of rugby require that athletes recover its energy reserves in shorts intervals or during low-intensity exercise. Thus, the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2Max), an aerobic power index, becomes an important variable for the performance in the discipline. The objective of this study was to verify the possibility to predict the aerobic power in rugby union XV amateur players using the field tests Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1) and 5 m Multiple Shuttle Test (5-m MST). Forty-two players, 22 forwards and 20 backs, were evaluated in three phases: (1) in a laboratory with maximum treadmill test; (2) field test set by a draw in the first phase; and (3) second field test. Descriptive, comparison, correlation, regression and level of agreement analyses were performed. Among the mayor results, backs, compared with forwards, reported a higher VO2Max (respectively 61.7 ± 15 ml.kg-1.min-1 and 51.6 ± 10.1 ml.kg- 1.min-1), Yo-Yo IRT1 results (respectively 16.4 ± 0.8 and 14.9 ± 0.9), and Yo-Yo IRT1 total distance (respectively 1283.3± 312.5 m e 792 ± 277.6 m). Significant correlations were found between the result and total distance on the Yo-Yo IRT1 and the VO2Max (respectively r = 0.425 and r = 0.459). Using the total distance covered on the Yo-Yo IRT1, the VO2Max in rugby players, can be estimated using the equation VO2Max = 0.016(DIST Yo-Yo) + 40.578.

Rugby Union is a popular sport both internationally and nationally. The sport has seen a rise in high-intensity activity and is more physically demanding on players since turning professional in 1995. Over the past decade, professional rugby players have made frequent appearances in the media due to lapses in psychological, physical, and social wellbeing, suggesting professional rugby players may experience compromised health. Research has largely ignored rugby players' health when health is defined beyond injury. The present study aimed to provide insight into the health of professional rugby players by investigating two components of health, namely psychological and physical wellbeing and the relationship between these facets. Two hundred and thirty-eight (238) professional male rugby union players, situated at the Investec Rugby Academy participated in the study. Psychological wellbeing (PW) was measured by the State Trait Personality Inventory (form Y) (STPI-Y) and the Sport Competitive Anxiety Test (adult form) (SCAT-A). Physical wellbeing was defined as health-related physical fitness (HRPF). HRPF was assessed by measurements of the rugby players' body composition, physical fitness, and heart health. Pearson's correlation co-efficient was calculated between the variables used to measure HRPF and PW. The results showed the rugby players experience average levels of competitive anxiety, above average levels of anger, anxiety, and depression and a relatively high level of curiosity. The rugby players had a high level of HRPF, with the exception of body composition (particularly BMI), cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength and endurance, and heart health (when measured according to the CSI), which indicate a moderate risk to the players' health. Furthermore, the results show significant correlations between variables of HRPF and PW in the rugby players. The findings that indicate professional rugby players do not experience optimal PW and HRPF, as well as the significant correlations found between the variables of the rugby players PW and HRPF, suggest these players may be in a state of overtraining or experiencing overtraining syndrome. / Mini Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Psychology / MA / Unrestricted

Head impact and subsequent brain trauma is a concern in contact sports including rugby. Head collisions present acute and long term injury risks to the brain ranging from non-symptomatic, concussion, and neurodegeneration. Rugby Union 15s and Rugby Union 7s are the two most played codes of the sport and the physical and tactical differences may affect how brain trauma is experienced (Cunniffe, Proctor, Baker, & Davies, 2009; Colin W Fuller, Taylor, & Molloy, 2010; L. J. Suarez-Arrones, J. Nunez, Portillo, & Mendez-Villanueva, 2012). It is important to consider all parameters contributing to acute and long term injury risk in order to appropriately capture brain trauma experienced in a contact/collision sport (Karton & Hoshizaki, 2018). Impact frequency, frequency-magnitude, and interval between impact have all been reported to affect brain trauma. Trauma profiling is a method used to describe brain trauma using the variables relating to brain injury risk. The purpose of this study was to compare head impacts experienced in rugby union 15s and 7s using frequency of impact events, frequency-magnitude of brain deformation, and time interval between impacts. Thirty-six hundred (3600) player minutes of footage were analysed for each code, and all head impacts were categorised. Twenty (20) impact conditions were observed and reconstructed. Head to shoulder, hip and knee events were reconstructed using a pneumatic linear impactor, head to head events were reconstructed using a pendulum system, and head to ground events were reconstructed using a monorail drop rig. Results from both codes were compared using non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests and demonstrated that Rugby 7s had a higher overall frequency of head impact, a greater number of head impacts causing higher trauma , and a shorter time interval between head impacts. These results suggest that rugby 7s presents a greater risk for sustaining brain trauma. These results will help expand the understanding of conditions leading to injury, and may lead to better interventions, such as equipment or rule changes, to mitigate risk.