There are several factors that contribute to increased risk for injury in rugby, including the different stages of a game.

A seven-year study of the Australian Wallabies’ injury record, cited in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, was conducted to help doctors gain a more detailed picture of rugby injuries, and take steps to reduce their frequency and severity. The research showed that, not only did injury rates increase depending on player position and moves performed, but also at certain periods during the game.

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The study showed that considerably more injuries took place during the second half than the first half of a game. The third quarter was the peak injury risk time. The break-down was as follows:

2nd half: 69%

It is thought likely that the injury rate increases in the second half largely because of increased fatigue. As fatigue impacts negatively on co-ordination, tackling (which when most injuries occur) becomes less controlled and more dangerous.

Players being tackled are also less able to recover their feet when thrown off balance, and don’t fall as safely. Tired muscles are less capable of protecting the body against damage: not only are they more vulnerable, but so are the adjacent ligaments, tendons and bones. Mental fatigue is also an important factor for increased injury risk. Lowered concentration means that more mistakes are made that can lead to injury.

The reason more injuries happen in the third than the fourth quarter may be because players neglect their warm-up at half-time.
 

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