Better tackling and technique can slash injury rates, study reveals

Schoolboy rugby injury rates could be reduced significantly by better tackling techniques, greater policing of collisions by referees, and the modification of playing and training loads for larger players, a major study has reported.

The recommendations come following the results of a three-year research project by Ulster University, in collaboration with the Rugby Injury Surveillance Ulster Schools (RISUS) group and medical and conditioning experts.

The project, funded by the MITRE trust, the IRFU and Ulster Rugby, explored the types and causes of injuries in schoolboy rugby in the North.