System for measurement of in-scrummage rugby forces

Abstract

Since the inception of rugby, the scrummage has been an integral and unique aspect of the sport. Similar to problems experienced in American football, neck and other serious injuries can occur when a scrummage collapses. In the short-term laws have been imposed on the game and certain precautions made at the level of rugby youth. The reason for a scrummage collapse and design of appropriate technology to increase the safety and performance of the rugby scrummage was investigated. The article describes a device developed to provide information about the distribution and magnitude of forces across a shoulder, and experimental results. A matrix of force sensors was integrated into a shoulder pad.