ABSTRACT
Rugby Union injuries continue to be of concern to the player, coach and the administration of this code. Whilst various researchers have identified a number of factors which give rise to these injuries (Bird et al., 1995; Watson, 1998; Wetzel et al., 1998), it is the nature of the injury process within a game situation which requires more attention. In this study a simple method is implemented to collect injury data as the event occurs. From a rugby training point of view a knowledge of game situations in which injuries occur is important. The tackle has been identified as a high-risk event for which there is concern as to the frequency and nature of the injuries. In the scrum situation there has been a reduction in the number of acute injury episodes but chronic injuries are likely to require further inquiries. By far the most common types of injuries are soft tissue in nature affecting ligaments, the capsule, tendons, muscle and subcutaneous tissue.
