Results published from ‘trail-blazing research’ on the safety of rugby [Video]

The results have been published from the largest ever studies into the forces experienced by rugby players in-game using smart mouthguard technology, providing greater insights into the safety of rugby.

A two-year study was conducted by the Otago Community Head Impact Detection study (ORCHID) alongside World Rugby, Prevent Biometrics, New Zealand Rugby, Otago Rugby and the University of Otago, using smart mouthguard technology, supplied by Prevent Biometrics. The study measured the g-forces experienced on 300 players in 17,000 separate head acceleration events in community rugby, from U13 rugby to senior rugby.

The results found that 86 per cent of the forces measured are the same as or less than those experienced in running, jumping or skipping, with 94 per cent of forces being lower than those previously measured on people riding a rollercoaster. Furthermore, the large majority of the highest measured forces were a result of poor technique.

The Elite Extension of the ORCHID study, in partnership with Ulster…