This study aimed at estimating the incidence of traumatic injuries in the practice of amateur rugby in Brazil. The sample consisted of 42 male, 18 to 30 year-old rugby amateur athletes from two different São Paulo teams. A questionnaire (by means of interview) was applied to each player inquiring on injuries suffered during and/or after every match (and training) his team played along five months of 2006. An injury was defined as any pain or physical impairment sustained by a player during or immediately after a rugby match or training. Data from volunteers' answers were statistically analysed, and significance level set at p < 0.05. The total incidence of injuries was 574.16 per 1,000 match hours. Injuries were predominant in lower limbs. Tackling was the major cause of injuries. The second half was the period when most injuries occurred. Forwards were more often injured than backs. The incidence of traumatic injuries in rugby in Brazil were extremely high when compared to the injury incidence found by studies made in countries where rugby is usually practised.
Athletic injuries; Football; Incidence
