LAUSR

Our scoping review was the first ‘big picture’ review to identify the relationships between rugby union, and health and wellbeing. Data suggest that all forms of rugby union (contact, noncontact and wheelchair) can provide moderate to vigorous physical activity, and can contribute to nonsedentary time, both of which have a raft of associated health and wellbeing benefits. National population surveys also consider rugby union as an activity that can provide musclestrengthening/balance improvement when accrued for period of over 10 minutes, and ‘ball sports’ are generally considered to improve muscle function, bone health and balance. ‘Noncontact’ and wheelchair rugby in particular provide a wide range of physical health benefits, including a reduction in cardiometabolic risk factors such as resting heart rate, blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin levels and total body fat mass. Though the research is more limited, data also suggest that participating in rugby union has beneficial effects on numerous proxy measures for mental health and wellbeing. The evidence is either mixed or unclear in relation to ‘contact’ rugby union and its effects on a range of physical health domains. Injury and concussion incidence rates are high for contact forms of rugby union relative to other sports, especially at the elite level of competition. The scoping review also lists some key research priorities to further understanding in this subject area, including further exploring the physical activity profile of various forms of rugby union across diverse cohorts, and identifying how rugby union can contribute to shortterm and longterm physical and mental health. Multimedia resources and platforms to accompany the scoping review have been produced including: ► Infographics. ► Animations. ► Podcasts. ► Website and social media channels. We have produced these in order to facilitate wider understanding and uptake of our research, as per best practice and the study’s protocol. We envision that these materials will enable current and future participants (as well as other relevant stakeholders such as parents and teachers) to make an informed decision around participation, as well as provide policymakers and industry with relevant data to inform future public health and participation policies.