Context is Queen: The Good, the Bad and the Rugby: Understanding Engagement With Injury Surveillance in Women's Rugby Union

Abstract

To address the gender imbalance in rugby union research by exploring barriers and facilitators to injury surveillance participation among female community players, thereby providing insight into how psychological needs shape engagement. This study examines how knowledge of injury surveillance and practical barriers influence engagement with injury surveillance systems in women's community rugby. Cross-sectional. An online survey was completed by 242 women's community rugby union players (age: 29 ± 9 years; experience: 7.1 ± 5.2 years) from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The questionnaire covered demographics, rugby environment, injury surveillance knowledge, and motivation to play rugby (adapted SMS-II). Barriers and facilitators were rated on a 7-point Likert scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis tests, regression models and chi-square tests (SPSS v29; p < 0.05). Coach presence was high (> 94%), but medical support was limited (26% training; 49% matches). Women's community rugby was perceived as the lowest priority for NGBs. Earlier rugby initiation predicted greater experience (p = 0.002) and higher likelihood of injury surveillance collection (OR = 1.23 per year; p = 0.012). Perceived lack of expertise reduced engagement (p = 0.024). Intrinsic motivation negatively predicted playing experience (p = 0.048), whereas agreement with ‘I just want to play rugby’ was associated with lower surveillance participation (p = 0.013). Engagement with injury surveillance is shaped by motivation, experience and structural support. Athlete-centred strategies, such as inclusive policy, tailored education and female-specific data systems, are essential to improve player welfare and advance evidence-based practice in women's rugby union.