PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Steffan A Griffin
AU  - Nirmala Kanthi Panagodage Perera
AU  - Andrew Murray
AU  - Catherine Hartley
AU  - Samantha G Fawkner
AU  - Simon P T Kemp
AU  - Keith A Stokes
AU  - Paul Kelly
TI  - The relationships between rugby union, and health and well-being: a scoping review
AID  - 10.1136/bjsports-2020-102085
DP  - 2020 Oct 28
TA  - British Journal of Sports Medicine
PG  - bjsports-2020-102085
4099  - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2020/11/23/bjsports-2020-102085.short
4100  - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2020/11/23/bjsports-2020-102085.full
AB  - 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scope the relationships between rugby union, and health and well-being.Design Scoping review.Data sources Published and unpublished reports of any age, identified by searching electronic databases, platforms and reference lists.Methods A three-step search strategy identified relevant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). ‘Non-contact’ 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 ‘contact’ 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’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.