Injury prevention in female youth rugby union

Background

Rugby Union is a popular collision sport which is growing globally, particularly in the female game. To date, however, the majority of research into injury, concussion, and prevention of these injuries has occurred across all levels of the men’s game. With growing popularity, there is a need for female-specific research studies to understand the risk of injury and concussion as well as the evaluation of prevention strategies. Minimising the impact of injury will have a major impact on individuals and teams in terms of enjoyment and success as well as impact in terms of the public health burden of sports injuries.

The Project

This project, which is funded by World Rugby, is a multi-site study which includes three sites in the United Kingdom (University of Bath, Leeds Beckett University and University of Edinburgh) as well as four sites in Canada (Lead site: University of Calgary). The aim of the project is to systematically examine the incidence, nature and severity of injuries sustained in youth female rugby in England, and to specifically design, implement and evaluate prevention strategies targeted at lowering the risk of injury and concussion. We are seeking a PhD student to work as part of a team delivering this project.

The project will involve:

(1)   Prospective injury epidemiology to identify overall injury risk and specific injury patterns in a sample of schools and club teams.

(2)   Examining risk factors and characteristics of players which may contribute to individual player risk.

(3)   Evaluating injury prevention approaches (e.g., injury prevention exercise programmes, law variations, tackle training).

We are particularly interested to receive applications from individuals with a specific interest in injury/concussion epidemiology and injury/concussion prevention evaluation including areas such as rule/ policy change, player training and preparation (e.g. tackle training, neuromuscular training programs) and protective equipment.

The student will be based at the University of Bath, but there will be a requirement to travel to teams around England as part of the project. They will work closely with other researchers and PhD students in CHi2PS and with staff at the RFU. There will also be opportunities to support testing at other UK and Canadian sites during the rugby season.

Preferred start date – 16 January 2023 (or earlier if possible)

The Successful Candidate should:

1.   Fulfil the entrance requirements for a Department for Health PhD

2.   Have a strong understanding of sports science, sports medicine, data science or epidemiology and associated research methods (including statistical methods).

The Department for Health is dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for our staff and students. The Department for Health hold a Bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of our ongoing commitment to gender equality. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We value, promote and celebrate inclusion, challenging discrimination and putting equality, diversity and belonging at the heart of everything we do. We aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, creating a learning environment and organisational culture that enhances health and wellbeing across our community.

Applicants should apply online to study for a full time PhD in Health. It is important to quote the project title (Injury prevention in female youth rugby union) on your application.

Please note that the application form will refer to a formal proposal. As this studentship is to work on a specific project, there is no need to write a formal proposal in this case. Instead, please provide a brief outline of your initial thoughts on the area of research as part of your online application. This should be no more than 500 words.

Enquiries and Applications

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Professor Keith Stokes ([Email Address Removed])

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.

Funding Eligibility

In order to be considered for the available studentship, you must qualify as a Home student. In determining Home student status, we follow the UK government’s fee regulations and guidance from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). Further information may also be found within the University’s fee status guidance.

EU/EEA citizens who live outside the UK are unlikely to be eligible for ‘Home’ fees and funding.