This study developed and evaluated the first evidence-based educational intervention addressing breast health in women’s rugby. Supported by the Irish Rugby Football Union, the interactive education intervention, featuring short expert-led videos and self-assessment multiple choice questions, significantly increased players’ and support staff’s knowledge and awareness of contact breast injury (CBI) and exercise-induced breast pain (EIBP) and comfort discussing such. Over 98% of the female players reported that the intervention positively influenced their likelihood to report such issues. The research demonstrates how female-specific education can enhance athlete welfare, reduce underreporting, and foster a more open and supportive sporting environment. Beyond rugby, this work offers a scalable model for integrating female breast health education across sports, informing governing bodies, coaches, medical practitioners, and players creating more inclusive, informed, and health-conscious sporting cultures.
Kilian Bibby is a doctoral researcher working in the Irish Rugby Injury Surveillance program (IRIS) in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at the University of Limerick. His primary PhD research topic is on contact breast injuries among female Rugby union players. Previously, Kilian has worked as an S&C for multiple years, spending time in France and New Zealand while also working with Italian side Benetton Treviso. Kilian holds a master’s degree in Sport Science (2021 -2022) and a bachelor’s degree in health management (2014-2018).
Kilian Bibby, Tom M. Comyns, Roisin Cahalan, Helen Purtill, Ian C. Kenny; Before and after – the development and assessment of an education intervention about female breast health in rugby union. Health Education 2025; https://doi.org/10.1108/HE-05-2025-0053
Contact: kilian.bibby@ul.ie Follow on twitter: @KilianBibby. Research Profiles: Kilian Bibby (researchgate.net) Kilian Bibby | LinkedIn
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