Changes in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The present study was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and changes to our original trial are detailed below. For logistical reasons, participants were recruited for the RUFIT-NZ trial in three separate waves. Prior to COVID-19 we successfully recruited and randomized 200 participants over two waves (2019). Participants for wave three were recruited and randomized in February 2020, but due to strict COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns across NZ, as well as changes in health and safety requirements at the respective rugby clubs, we were unable to continue with wave three. As a result, none of the participants randomized (intervention or control) in wave three (