730 BO07 – It takes two to tackle – the interaction between ball-carrier and tackler technique in tackle injury events in rugby union

Background The tackle is the leading cause of injury in Rugby Union. Although proficient technique, for both the tackler and ball-carrier, has been shown to lower the risk of injury in the tackle, little is known about the interaction between a tackler's and ball-carrier's technique in the same tackle event. Objective This study aims to describe the relationship between tackler and ball-carrier technique in injury and non-injury-related tackle events in Rugby Union. Design An observational, retrospective, case-control study design was used. Setting The 2014–2018 seasons of the Currie Cup Premier Division, an elite, professional men's Rugby Union competition. Participants Twenty-nine tackle injury events (n=16 tackler; n=13 ball-carrier) were identified from injury surveillance data, and linked with match footage. For each event, two control groups were identified: non-injury tackle events by the injured player (n=89 own controls) and matched non-injury tackle events by a teammate (n=144 team controls). Assessment of risk factors Video footage of each tackle event was analysed, and both the ball carrier's and tackler's contact technique proficiency were assessed using standardised contact technique criteria, advocated by the Rugby Video Analysis Consensus Group. The criteria are split into three phases – pre-contact, contact, and post-contact. One point was awarded for each observed technique in each phase of play and totalled for each phase, and for an overall contact proficiency score. Results Tackler technique scores were significantly lower than ball-carrier technique proficiency scores in tackler injury events, particularly in the pre-contact and post-contact phases. No significant differences were observed in ball-carrier injury events, and ball-carrier technique proficiency was significantly lower than tackler technique in the team controls non-injury tackle events. Conclusions Poor pre-contact tackler technique increases a tackler's risk of injury. Emphasis should be placed on this phase of contact in training to improve player safety.