What keeps male amateur rugby union players committed to the game despite high risk of injury? A qualitative study.

Objectives Rugby Union is a popular sport worldwide characterised by high intensity full contact match play. Injuries are common during matches and training. While musculoskeletal injury is expected in such a sport, there is emerging research evidence and increased public awareness of neurodegenerative disease risks. The objectives of the present study are to explore reasons for continued participation despite high risk of injury, gain understanding of perceived importance of participation and insight into why players may play with chronic injury. Design 10 male amateur rugby union players in Gloucestershire and Yorkshire aged 30±5.75 with 20±6.93 years of playing experience participated in semi-structured interviews with subsequent thematic analysis of transcripts. Results 4 major themes of identity, community, risk acceptance, and uniqueness of rugby were identified. None of the players reported plans to reduce participation in rugby. Conclusions Despite risks of injury there were no plans to reduce participation amongst players interviewed. Benefits gained from rugby are abundant and meaningful to players. Understanding these beliefs is helpful for medical staff supporting players, especially through injury. Overall, commitment to amateur rugby union remains strong despite new knowledge of the long-term risks involved. The findings show that amateur rugby union remains a popular sport with benefits extending beyond physical activity. Highlights There are 4 key themes regarding commitment to participation in male amateur rugby union despite risk of injury, regardless of new insights of potential long term injury risk and available injury epidemiology data Current players remain firmly committed to playing citing more benefits than negatives. Knowledge of risks is limited in the playing population recruited. This is significant as it highlights an issue that needs to be addressed regarding players ability to make an informed choice about their involvement in the game.