Concussion and head acceleration exposure in elite rugby union and American football: Interpreting indicative trends

TL;DR

This study compares concussion and head acceleration trends in elite rugby union and American football, revealing higher reported exposure in rugby and emphasizing the need for rigorous research to improve player safety.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of concussion and head acceleration events in elite rugby union and American football, highlighting differences and the need for further scientific investigation.

Findings

Rugby union players have more concussions per match than American football players.

A higher proportion of rugby concussions occur during training sessions.

Rugby forwards experience more head acceleration events than American football defensive players.

Abstract

Elite-level American football and rugby union are two high-contact sports with growing clinical and legal concerns over player safety. A comparison of current indicative trends in concussion and head acceleration events (HAEs) in elite-level American football and rugby union was undertaken. Rugby union players have a greater number of professional playing years and matches available in a season than their American football counterparts. Rugby union players have a greater number of concussions reported per match and a higher proportion of concussions occurring during training sessions, based on National Football League (NFL) and Rugby Football Union (RFU) injury reports. Preliminary findings indicate that rugby union forwards experience a higher incidence of HAEs per player match over lower and higher magnitude thresholds, than American football defensive players. Taken collectively, current evidence indicates a trend toward greater reported exposure in elite-level rugby union across several key metrics. These patterns highlight the need for independent, transparent, and scientifically rigorous research to better understand concussion and HAE biomechanics and to support the development of effective mitigation strategies in contact sport.