Women's rugby as a catalyst for advancing female-specific science and safety in sport.

Abstract

Women's rugby is experiencing unprecedented growth and professionalisation, yet the research underpinning player welfare and performance remains significantly underdeveloped. This special issue of the European Journal of Sport Science addresses the critical need for evidence-based practices tailored to female rugby players. Current literature is predominantly male-focused, despite known sex differences impacting training, injury mechanisms and health outcomes. In particular, the underrepresentation of female-specific studies presents risks to player safety and performance optimisation. This issue presents cutting-edge research, from world-leading interdisciplinary experts and applied practitioners, on three main themes: female-specific injury and illness surveillance and education, tackle safety and performance, and intersectional research agendas. Contributions include insights into female-specific health domains, such as breast and pelvic floor health, emphasising the need for tailored care pathways and interventions. Additionally, the importance of gender-responsive coaching and tackle skill acquisition is highlighted, advocating for progressive, context-specific training frameworks. Moreover, an intersectional approach to research is proposed, to address the broader social and material contexts affecting marginalised women and girls in rugby. These findings aim to drive interdisciplinary, inclusive research, ensuring that the professionalisation of women's rugby is matched by advancements in scientific understanding and applied practice. This special issue not only celebrates the progress made, but also calls for ongoing efforts to bridge the knowledge gap, ensuring holistic support for female rugby players from participation, through to retirement and beyond.