Rugby Scrum - Biomechanics

SCHEDULE 2 THE PROJECT

‘Biomechanics of the Rugby Scrum’

Research Project for the International Rugby Board (acting through its operating entity IRFB Services (Ireland) Limited)

Updated February 2010

100218 SA UOB Research Agreement - SCHEDULE 2 - THE PROJECT (Final)

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Project Title:

Biomechanics of the Rugby Scrum

Investigators (CVs attached as an appendix): University of Bath:
Dr Grant Trewartha (Principal Investigator) Lecturer in Biomechanics Health, Sport & Exercise Science School for Health (E: g.trewartha@bath.ac.uk) Dr Mike England (Co-Investigator) RFU Community Rugby Medical Officer Hon. Senior Lecturer, School for Health (E: MikeEngland@rfu.com) Dr Keith Stokes (Co – Investigator) Lecturer in Exercise Physiology Health, Sport & Exercise Science School for Health (E: k.stokes@bath.ac.uk) Dr Chris Bowen (Co-Investigator) Reader in Materials Science Department of Mechanical Engineering (E: c.r.bowen@bath.ac.uk)

Structural Statics Ltd:
Alan Kenchington (Co-Investigator) Managing Director Structural Statics Ltd (E: alan.kenchington@structuralstatics.co.uk)

Note: Any references in this document to “IRB” shall mean IRFB Services (Ireland) Limited the operating entity of the International Rugby Board.

100218 SA UOB Research Agreement - SCHEDULE 2 - THE PROJECT (Final)

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‘Biomechanics of the Rugby Scrum’
Competitive scrummaging is a unique and valued component of rugby union. Effective scrummaging requires a pack of forwards to produce forceful and coordinated actions to ensure dominance over the opposition to provide a platform for launching attacks and to disrupt opposition ball. Unfortunately, due to the physical nature of this phase of play there may be associations of the scrum with chronic degenerative injuries to the spine and on very rare occasions catastrophic cervical spinal injuries do occur. Despite this, little is known about the forces and motions involved in rugby scrummaging, with very little objective... [continues]

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