UL research outlines the toll of injuries on schoolboy rugby players

Forwards sustained significantly more injuries (65%) than backs (35%), particularly around the high rate of head and shoulder injuries, the study found.

The study stated that 40% of match injuries during male school Senior Cup matches occurred during the third quarter, more than any other period. File Picture: Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile

School rugby teams can expect to lose an average of 324 days from play due to injuries to their players each season, with head injuries — including concussion — one of the biggest issues.

After examining data from 15 male school Senior Cup teams across two seasons, researchers from the University of Limerick found: