January 3rd, 2014

Dr. Victor Lopez, Jr, Executive Director of the Rugby Research and Injury Prevention Group, has been honored to podium present the first grassroots study & efforts in the U.S., the RISERugby Study started in 2009. This was presented at the 2014 USA Rugby Medical Symposium Annual Meeting (with a National focus), January 3, 2014, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He described the injury rates found at multiple levels and among elite vs non-elite populations. Likewise, the potential for injury prevention in U.S. Rugby-7s and its impact globally.

The 2014 USA Rugby Medical Symposium was held at Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas alongside HSBC USA Sevens. Featuring a selection of the fittest athletes on the planet hoping to become Olympians in Rugby Sevens. Finally, the international rugby tournament at Sam Boyd Stadium is reason enough for sport’s medical leaders to descend upon Sin City. At this event, industry leaders from such institutions as World Rugby, South Africa Rugby Union, Boston University, Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, Ohio State University, and the National Hockey League’s Colorado Avalanche will gather in one room to present on a wide range of topics.

“USA Rugby continues to be a trailblazer in player welfare and sports medicine expertise,” USA Rugby Medical Services Director Michael Keating said. “The annual medical meetings held in conjunction with USA Sevens is our chance to bring all of rugby’s healthcare providers and anyone interested in player welfare together in union.”