Women's Health in Rugby: It Is More Than Orthopedics

Rugby is a globally expanding sport for women, yet research on female-specific health and safety issues remains limited. While orthopedic injuries are the most common and are a concern, the differences in physiology, anatomy, and social context between men and women call for a broader and more gender-informed approach to player health, safety, and welfare. There is a need for gender-specific injury surveillance, which includes not only orthopedic injuries, but also breast injuries, pelvic floor dysfunction, and postpartum effects that impair playing. Strengthening research funding and integrating sex-specific findings into practice are essential to ensure safe, equitable participation and optimal performance for women rugby players.