The Analysis of Head Impacts in Women’s Rugby Union,

According to recent research females are 2.6 times more likely to suffer a concussion in sport than their male counterparts (McGroarty, Brown and Mulcahey, 2020). With minimal research conducted in female rugby union, the aim of this investigation was to assess head impact events in order to understand injury mechanisms. Methods: Video analysis (Fulcrum Angles) and iMG data collected from 1102 head impact events during female university level rugby union matches was analysed. Impact magnitudes and cumulative head impact exposures were correlated with causative mechanisms and in-game events. Chi Squared tests of independence were used to assess any significant associations between causative mechanisms and head impact events Results: Whiplash-style head impacts were observed in 8.4% of all head impact events. Whiplash-style impacts often occurred during tackles, where rapid acceleration and deceleration of the head lead to significant rotational forces. Direct impact on to hard body parts accounted for 60%, of the total head impact events, with a significant association (p<0.05) found for Head to shoulder events. Furthermore, Direct impact to the ground accounted for 18% of the total head impact events. Discussion/Conclusion: This dual-method approach can support the development of recommendations for female-specific training strategies to minimise head impact risk and exposure to impacts, while evaluating current laws of the game, return to play and training protocols in women's rugby union.