For decades, sports science had a glaring blind spot: the vast majority of athletic research was conducted exclusively on men. Female athletes were historically treated simply as "smaller men", with training protocols, pitch equipment, and concussion guidelines copied directly from male studies.
In rugby, a sport defined by dynamic movement, intense physical sport contact, and heavy force, this gender data gap isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a matter of injury prevention, player welfare, and basic biological equality.
At Scrum Club (SCRUMCLUB.UK), we believe that every woman and girl taking the pitch deserves gear and safety standards built specifically for her body. That is why we proudly donate 5% of our profits directly into women's rugby research.
Here is a look at the groundbreaking studies from top universities like Exeter, Cardiff, St Mary's, and Edinburgh—and why this research is essential to driving inclusion, protection, and high performance in the female game.
1. Concussion and Head Impact: Pioneering Insights at Cardiff University
Head health is one of the most critical topics in modern rugby. However, female brains are biologically distinct, with different nerve structures and neck musculature that alter how force is absorbed.
Researchers at Cardiff University launched a landmark study to develop the first women-specific head impact assessment protocol. Using Bluetooth-enabled, custom-moulded mouthguards paired with brain MRI scans, the Cardiff team tracks real-time high impact forces, accelerations, and sub-concussive hits experienced by female players on the pitch.
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Why it matters: Women often report different concussion symptoms than men, experiencing prolonged headaches and fatigue. By understanding how female brains respond to contact, researchers can establish gender-specific safety thresholds, providing proper protection tailored to female players.
2. The Menstrual Cycle Impact: St Mary's University, London
Fluctuating hormones throughout the menstrual cycle affect everything from soft-tissue laxity and inflammation to energy levels and sleep. Yet, menstrual health in contact sports has long remained a taboo topic.
Groundbreaking research from St Mary’s University, London explored how the menstrual cycle impact influences international female rugby players. The study highlighted significant physical and psychological burdens, including:
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Mental Strain & Anxiety: Managing severe cramping, mood changes, and fear of leakage while trying to perform under pressure.
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Performance Readiness: A lack of cycle-aware training schedules leaves players adapting individually without institutional support.
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Why it matters: Normalising menstrual health conversations allows coaches to adjust workload, reduce injury risk during vulnerable cycle phases, and build an environment of true inclusion and empathy.
3. Footwear & Foot Inequality: Biomechanics at the University of Exeter
For years, female players had to wear men's or boys' rugby boots, which are designed around a male foot shape (broader heel, different arch, and different pressure distribution points).
A study led by the University of Exeter uncovered massive foot inequality in the sport: 89% of female rugby players reported pain or discomfort from their boots, with 45% experiencing pain directly under the big toe due to stud placements designed for men.
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Why it matters: Wearing ill-fitting footwear causes unnecessary foot, ankle, and knee stress. The Exeter research directly contributed to 3D-scanned, women-specific soft-ground boots designed to improve stability, lower joint strain, and reduce lower-limb injuries.
4. Tailoring Injury Prevention: The University of Edinburgh
Women are statistically 3 to 6 times more likely to suffer Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears than men due to biomechanical and hormonal differences.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have taken on World Rugby-funded research to evaluate and adapt the Activate warm-up and injury prevention programme specifically for female players.
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Why it matters: Male-derived warm-ups do not address the specific joint loading, landing mechanics, and deceleration forces seen in woman's rugby. Tailored exercise regimes protect knees and ankles while building functional strength for the scrum and lineout.
Why Every 5% Matters to Scrum Club
For Scrum Club, advancing women's rugby isn't just about selling kit—it’s about funding real structural change.
Every time you purchase gear from Scrum Club, 5% of the profit directly funds the vital research powering these breakthroughs. We are proud to back the researchers, universities, and players paving the way for a safer, more equal game.
Join the movement for true equality in sport. Learn more about our mission and shop the collection today at SCRUMCLUB.UK.