Rugby Science

Rugby Science aims to provide a mechanism to bring together the expertise of academics and professionals working in the game, sharing good Rugby science practice and enhancing the scientific study of the game to bridge the gap between research and practice where possible. The Irish Rugby Injury Surveillance (IRIS) Project is an active project within this theme, partnered with the national governing body for Rugby (IRFU). The project aims to enhance the health and welfare of Rugby Union players across the domestic game in Ireland by providing information on injury patterns that can impact on IRFU policy regarding injury prevention measures.

Objectives:

Provide rugby science and injury epidemiology research expertise to bridge the gap between clinical, coaching, and playing practices.
Establish a long-term academic partnership with the national governing body in Rugby Injury Science.

Funding:

2016-2030 IRFU funding tender
2024 Irish Research Council PhD scholarship
2024 Erasmus+ International Mobility
2023 UPMC Ireland
2020 Irish Research Council postdoctoral fellowship
2019 Health Research Institute UL
2019 2024 Irish Research Council PhD scholarship
Total €2.4million

Impact:

Annual injury surveillance national reports
19 journal papers
56 conference presentation & keynotes
9 PhD, 1 postdoc, 11 MSc, 7 UG, 2 intern
IOC’s consensus statement 2020 inclusion
ENGAGE IRFU player performance & robustness injury prevention programme
IRFU & World Rugby reporting
World Rugby - IRFU tackle height trial trend analysis

Studies:

Player loading
Professional game concussion biomarkers
Concussion treatment practices
ENGAGE injury reduction intervention & coach education
Underage schoolboy longitudinal injury surveillance
Community game adult male and female longitudinal injury surveillance
Breast health
REDs injury and illness prevalence
Training injury surveillance
Artificial surface injury analysis
Tackle behaviour change impact analysis

Theme Leads
Prof Ian Kenny, PESS Department, University of Limerick, Ireland. Researchgate
Dr Tom Comyns, PESS Department, University of Limerick, Ireland. Researchgate

IRIS Project - Click Here