Injuries of highest incidence and causing the greatest number of days absence as a function of mechanism
| Mechanism | Forwards | Backs | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highest incidence | Most days absence | Highest incidence | Most days absence | |
| *Excluding haematomas/contusions. | ||||
| ACL, Anterior cruciate ligament; MCL, medial collateral ligament. | ||||
| Scrum | Calf muscle injury* | Calf muscle injury* | – | – |
| Line out | Lateral ankle ligament injury | Patella tendon injury | – | – |
| Tackled | Haematoma, thigh | ACL injury | Haematoma, thigh | MCL injury |
| Tackling | Cervical nerve root injury | Dislocation/instability, shoulder | Concussion | Dislocation/instability, shoulder |
| Ruck/maul | Haematoma, calf/shin | MCL injury | Haematoma, calf/shin | MCL injury |
| Collision | Haematoma, thigh | Head/facial fracture | Haematoma, thigh | ACL injury |
| Running | Calf muscle injury* | Achilles tendon injury | Hamstring muscle injury* | Hamstring muscle injury* |
| Twisting/turning | Lateral ankle ligament injury | ACL injury | Adductor muscle injury* | Lumbar disc/nerve root injury |