Picture this: a rugby player sprints down the pitch with no opponent in sight, only to collapse mid-run. It’s a non-contact injury, a frustrating and often preventable setback that can sideline players for weeks or months. Rugby is a game of power, precision and relentless intensity – and it’s also a sport where injuries are ever-present.
But imagine a tool that could predict injuries before they happen, giving coaches the chance to intervene and keep players in the game. That’s the potential end-point of our latest research into AI and rugby injury.
Non-contact injuries to the legs account for nearly 50% of player absences in rugby union, often sidelining players for weeks or even months if they are severe. These injuries, such as hamstring, groin, thigh and calf strains, can be incredibly frustrating for both player and team. They disrupt training schedules, affect selection and team performance.
