Key result
Participating in rugby league matches with SARS-CoV-2 positive players resulted in limited in-game transmission, as the few subsequent positive cases were linked to off-field outbreaks.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to evaluate interactions between SARS-CoV-2 positive players and other players during rugby league matches to determine the risk of in-game transmission.
Does participation in rugby league matches with SARS-CoV-2 positive players result in in-game transmission among male elite players?
Observational (n=136)
Yes
Does participation in rugby league matches with SARS-CoV-2 positive players result in in-game transmission among male elite players?
Absolute Event Rate: 3.6% vs 5%
Despite high numbers of tackles and close proximity interactions, in-game SARS-CoV-2 transmission during outdoor rugby league matches appears to be limited.
Supports limited in-game transmission in elite rugby; leaves open confirmation in larger, diverse cohorts.
Objectives Evaluate the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 positive players and other players during rugby league matches, to determine the risk of in-game SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Design Observational. Setting Super League rugby league during four matches in which SARS-CoV-2 positive players were retrospectively found to have participated (2 nd August and 4 th October 2020). Participants 136 male elite rugby league players: eight SARS-CoV-2 positive participants, 28 identified close contacts and 100 other players who participated in any of the four matches. Main Outcome measures Close contacts were defined by analysis of video footage for player interactions and microtechnology (GPS) data for proximity analysis. Close contacts and other players involved in the matches becoming positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR within 14 days of the match were reported. Results The eight SARS-CoV-2 positive players were involved in up to 14 tackles with other individual players. SARS-CoV-2 positive players were within a 2 m proximity of other players for up to 316 secs, from 60 interactions. One identified contact returned a positive SARS-CoV-2 result within 14 days of the match (subsequently linked to an outbreak within their club environment, rather than in-match transmission), whereas the other 27 identified contacts returned negative SARS-CoV-2 follow up tests and no one developed COVID-19 symptoms. Ninety-five players returned negative and five players returned positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR routine tests within 14 days of the match. Sources of transmission in the five cases were linked to internal club COVID-19 outbreaks and wider-community transmission. Conclusion Despite a high number of tackle involvements and close proximity interactions between SARS-CoV-2 positive players and players on the same and opposition teams during a rugby league match, these data suggest that in-game SARS-CoV-2 transmission is limited during these types of team sport activities played outdoors.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Jones et al. (2020) conducted an observational in SARS-CoV-2 transmission (n=136). Close contact with SARS-CoV-2 positive players during a rugby match vs. Other players in the match without identified close contact was evaluated on Positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test within 14 days of the match. Participating in rugby league matches with SARS-CoV-2 positive players resulted in limited in-game transmission, as the few subsequent positive cases were linked to off-field outbreaks.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: