ABSTRACT
Injury risk is a concern for youth rugby, with research since the 1980s reporting the injury incidence within the codes. This chapter aims to review the existing literature on the injury risk (including patterns of injury, risk factors, and concussion) and the injury prevention strategies used within youth rugby union and rugby league. In summary, the chapter shows that injury incidence of children participating is low but does increase during adolescence. Most injuries occur to the knee, shoulder, and head, with the tackle the major cause of injury. Numerous injury prevention strategies have been investigated (e.g., equipment, law modification, integrative neuromuscular training programmes), demonstrating they are effective. Future research should use consistent injury definitions, evaluate injury risk according to other player development factors (e.g., grouping strategies, physical development), and consider wider adoption, implementation, and maintenance of injury prevention strategies to make the codes of rugby as safe as possible.
