The research was carried out at the University of Bath and was funded by the Rugby Players Association (RPA).

A 'game involvement' is "any time spent on the field", given "broader elements of load associated with matches".

In 2018, players were limited to 35 games a season from 2019-20.

A mouthguard study - examining head impacts during matches and training - is currently taking place in the men and women's elite games and its results could mean the number of suggested 'game involvements' is further reduced.

The research published on Wednesday found 20% of elite male players are involved in 25 games or more per season with 5% totalling 30 every campaign.

The study found 31 or more match involvements in a season leads to significantly higher injury burden in the following season.