Research articles not limited by age of study, by geographical location, language or setting. Research articles that consider all abilities, age groups and gender of participants, as well as specific population groups (with a specific health condition). Research articles that consider all forms of rugby union (eg, 7-a-side/10-a-side, 15-a-side/disability/touch/tag/beach/veterans/rugbyX). Sources of information including primary research studies, reviews, systematic reviews, scoping reviews, meta-analyses, guidelines, as well as grey literature to include unpublished and ongoing trials, annual reports, dissertations and conference proceedings. Outcome variables that must be health related in terms of: physical activity (eg, metabolic equivalent of task value), physiological demand, mortality, morbidity or disease risk factors (eg, effect on blood pressure); cardiorespiratory, neurological, metabolic or musculoskeletal function/fitness; or social/psychological and more holistic measures of ‘well-being’. Systematic reviews in which the outcome variables were injuries or other acute health issues.
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Anthropometric/biomechanical studies or studies relating to performance, recovery or injury prevention. Opinion pieces/opinions, magazine and newspaper articles. Research articles that do not scientifically investigate measures of health, or directly relate to function, or fitness (or do not include data). Cadaver studies. Health and safety/occupational issues not related to playing or watching rugby union. ‘Contact’ rugby league studies. Research articles in which the outcome variables were injuries or other acute health issues that are not systematic reviews or meta-analyses.
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