English rugby’s injury data shows dramatic increase in number of players who are getting injured – as concerns about concussions rise in the game

The organisation representing professional rugby players in England says it is ‘concerned’ by the fact the number of stars injured during full contact training in the 2022/23 season was the highest ever recorded.

The RFU’s England Professional Rugby Injury Surveillance Project (PRISP) states that: ‘The incidence of “full contact” training injury was the highest since the injury surveillance data became available in 2012 and is more than double the 2012-22 period mean.’

It also showed concussion was the most reported injury, accounting for 24 per cent of the total. Half of all injuries were attributable to the tackle. The most commonly occurring injury in “full contact” training sessions was concussion, according for 28 per cent of the total.

Welfare groups have said it proves strict limits must be enforced on the amount of contact training players do across a full season. Currently, World Rugby – the game’s governing body – only has ‘guidelines’ on how much full contact training players should undertake.

In a statement, the Rugby Players Association said: ‘Understandably, the RPA is concerned that the incidence of “full contact” training injury in the men’s Premiership for the 2022/23 season was the highest since the injury surveillance data became available in 2012.

New data in English rugby has showed that more players than ever are suffering injuries

The RFU said that the incidence of ‘full contact’ training injury was the highest since the injury surveillance data became available

It also showed concussion was the most reported injury, accounting for 24 per cent of the total count

‘The PRISP report also records the amount of full contact training undertaken in that season was substantially less than the average across the previous 10 seasons (2012-22).

‘The game has committed to continue to monitor such findings to understand why this was the case and to take any necessary actions.

‘We are committed to drive positive change on behalf of our members.’

Professor John Fairclough, of player welfare group Progressive Rugby, told a significant reduction in contact load is absolutely critical to protecting the long-term brain health of players at a time when ex-professional are suing the authorities for negligence as they suffer with different neurological diseases.

‘Regrettably, the latest PRISP confirms concussion remains a significant risk,’ Fairclough said.

‘The issue with training injuries is further evidence World Rugby contact training guidelines need to be made mandatory. Doing so, and exposing players to fewer games per season, will better protect players and the future of the game.’

The PRISP data covers the men’s Gallagher Premiership and the senior England side and is collected by the University of Bath. Data for the 2023/24 season is not yet available.

World Rugby state their guidelines on full contact training are: ‘A maximum of 15 minutes per week across a maximum of two days per week with Mondays and Fridays comprising zero full contact training to allow for recovery and preparation.’

The latest PRISP report states that 37 per cent of all injuries were sustained during training

It is commonly accepted by modern directors of rugby today that there is a balance with how much full contact training players need to do.

Too little and players won’t be ready for the brutally physical demands of what a match requires. Too much and there is a risk of injury and fatigue. However, what is clear is that it is virtually impossible for external authorities to monitor how much contact work takes place.

The latest PRISP report states that 37 of all injuries were sustained during training and that the average length of injury absence was 38 days – 11 days longer than the average for the 2002-22 period. World Rugby continues to insist player welfare is its top priority.

They have updated the mandatory period a player must stand down for if they suffer a concussion to 12 days. It is understood the game’s governing body is also looking specifically at training load guidelines as part of a wider look at how the game will be run in the future. English rugby has made promising welfare developments such as a 30-game limit for players and mandatory rest periods for international stars. But it does not, as yet, contain anything specific on how much full contact training players should do.

England have, meanwhile, confirmed the promotion of Richard Wigglesworth to senior assistant coach

Ahead of their November matches with New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan, meanwhile, England have confirmed the promotion of Richard Wigglesworth to senior assistant coach.

England will confirm their autumn squad on Wednesday.