The outcomes of an extensive two-year study, described as the largest of its kind, have been released, shedding light on the forces experienced by rugby players during matches using smart mouthguard technology. The study, conducted by the Otago Community Head Impact Detection study (ORCHID) in collaboration with World Rugby, Prevent Biometrics, New Zealand Rugby, Otago Rugby, and the University of Otago, utilized smart mouthguard technology provided by Prevent Biometrics.
This pioneering research monitored the g-forces endured by 300 players during approximately 17,000 separate head acceleration events in community rugby, spanning from U13 rugby to senior rugby.
The results of the study indicated that 86 percent of the forces measured were equal to or less than those experienced during activities like running, jumping, or skipping. Moreover, 94 percent of the forces recorded were lower than those previously observed among individuals riding a rollercoaster. Notably, a significant proportion of the highest forces measured were attributed to poor playing techniques.
Furthermore, an extension of the ORCHID study, conducted in partnership with Ulster University and Premiership Rugby, highlighted that most contact events in elite rugby did not result in significant forces applied to the head. Low, medium, and high force events were more commonly associated with tackles and carries, followed by rucks. These events were more frequently experienced by forwards than backs, both in men’s and women’s rugby.
The utilization of smart mouthguards in this year’s WXV and their inclusion in the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocols from January 2024 signify a significant step toward enhancing player welfare in the sport.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont expressed his gratitude to players worldwide who participated in the study, emphasizing that their contributions have provided invaluable insights for advancing player welfare in rugby. He also underscored the commitment of World Rugby to making the sport safer based on evidence-led decisions.
World Rugby Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eanna Falvey lauded the comprehensive data and emphasized the organization’s dedication to exploring all necessary changes aimed at reducing head forces in the sport. He expressed enthusiasm about gaining a more profound understanding of the causes of head impacts and accelerations in rugby, signaling a proactive approach to player safety.