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Deterioration in Performance Metrics After Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures in Elite Rugby Union Players: A
Jared Rubin1, Alexander Tham1, Edward S Mojica1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York.
Sports Health
|April 4, 2026
Summary
Acute Achilles tendon ruptures (AATRs) significantly impact elite rugby players' performance, with reduced games and tries post-injury. This study quantifies the performance decline in rugby union athletes after AATRs.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Acute Achilles tendon ruptures (AATRs) are severe injuries for athletes.
- Outcomes for elite rugby union players after AATRs are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the post-injury performance metrics of elite rugby union players.
- To compare pre-injury and post-injury performance data in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of elite rugby union players with AATRs (2013-2025).
- Data collected on demographics, injury details, and performance metrics from databases and media.
- Wilcoxon signed rank test used for pre- vs. post-rupture performance comparison.
Main Results:
- 52 elite rugby players (median age 28) were analyzed; 80.8% returned to play (RTP) at a median of 8.5 months.
- Significant reductions observed in games played, tries, points, and associated per-game/per-season metrics in the first season post-injury (P ≤ 0.003).
- Sustained significant declines in all performance metrics across all seasons post-injury (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- AATRs lead to significant, lasting performance decrements in elite rugby union players.
- Findings underscore the need for enhanced prevention and tailored rehabilitation strategies.
- Results aid clinicians in managing player expectations and guiding treatment decisions post-AATR.
