Enlarge imageLONDON (Reuters) - The Professional Rugby Players’ Association (PRA) has announced it has commissioned a three-year research project on player burnout.
"The demands of rugby increase every year," said Pat Sanderson the Worcester flanker and chairman of the PRA.
"As the popularity of the game grows, the expectations on the players become more intense.
"In the light of recent comments made by high profile England international players and coaches, this research is essential to the welfare of our members."
England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson is the highest-profile injury victim having not played a test since the 2003 World Cup final because of separate shoulder, arm and knee injuries.
Several of his World Cup team mates have also suffered lengthy injury absences, with flankers Richard Hill and Lewis Moody and centres Mike Tindall and Will Greenwood among them.
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Damian Hopley, chief executive of the PRA, said "Given the number of high profile injuries this season, and various comments from leading rugby figures including England coach, Andy Robinson and Gloucester Director of Rugby Nigel Melville about the increasing burden being placed on players, this project will bring together the key stakeholders of the game."
The PRA recently invited Scott Cresswell from Unitec New Zealand, who has conducted a three-year research project into player burnout for the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU), to present his findings to players, directors of rugby, conditioning staff and members of the England fitness team.
One of the key findings from the NZRU project was that the number of games played within a season was less of a burnout factor than changes of coach or competition.
A subsequent recommendation was the need for a more balanced working environment including giving players support to explore career and education interests outside of rugby whilst playing.
