@article {Griffinbjsports-2020-102085, author = {Steffan A Griffin and Nirmala Kanthi Panagodage Perera and Andrew Murray and Catherine Hartley and Samantha G Fawkner and Simon P T Kemp and Keith A Stokes and Paul Kelly}, title = {The relationships between rugby union, and health and well-being: a scoping review}, elocation-id = {bjsports-2020-102085}, year = {2020}, doi = {10.1136/bjsports-2020-102085}, publisher = {British Association of Sport and Excercise Medicine}, abstract = {Objective To scope the relationships between rugby union, and health and well-being.Design Scoping review.Data sources Published and unpublished reports of any age, identified by searching electronic databases, platforms and reference lists.Methods A three-step search strategy identified relevant published primary, secondary studies and grey literature, which were screened using a priori inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a standardised tool, to form (1) a numerical analysis and (2) a thematic summary.Results and discussion 6658 records were identified, and 198 studies met the inclusion criteria. All forms of rugby union can provide health-enhancing physical activity (PA). {\textquoteleft}Non-contact{\textquoteright} and wheelchair rugby in particular provide a wide range of physical and mental health and well-being benefits. The evidence is either mixed or unclear in relation to {\textquoteleft}contact{\textquoteright} rugby union and its effects on a range of physical health domains. Injury and concussion incidence rates are high for contact rugby union relative to other sports.Conclusions A wide range of stakeholders as well as existing and potential participants can use this information to make a more informed decision about participating in and promoting rugby union as a health-enhancing activity. Industry and policy-makers can use this review to inform policies and strategies that look to increase participation rates and use rugby union as a vehicle to contribute positively to population health. Further research understanding rugby union{\textquoteright}s contribution to PA as well as to muscle-strengthening and balance is indicated, as well as research examining more health and well-being outcomes across more diverse cohorts.}, issn = {0306-3674}, URL = {https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2020/11/23/bjsports-2020-102085}, eprint = {https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2020/11/23/bjsports-2020-102085.full.pdf}, journal = {British Journal of Sports Medicine} }