Injuries in high school level rugby union: how do coaches manage injuries?

Purpose
The purpose of the investigation was to determine the injuries and injury prevention strategies in high school rugby union players, as reported by the coaches.

Methods
A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted where participants (from fee-paying and no-fee-paying schools) were required to complete an electronically based questionnaire focusing specifically on injuries and injury prevention strategies in male high school level rugby players.

Results
The results indicated that the most common injured position was the back row, while 60% of all injuries were to the shoulder region. Furthermore, while the majority (75%) of coaches did record injury statistics, only a limited number implemented injury prevention strategies (mainly from fee-paying schools). The most common injury prevention tool reported was ‘strengthening target areas’

Conclusions
It was concluded that all schools should monitor injuries and implement some form of strength and conditioning program to reduce the risk of player injury. Furthermore, it was noted that for this to occur, the education of the coach as well as the player was highly important.