The ‘5Rs of Rugby’: a reflective case study on the reality and challenges associated with conducting a mental health literacy and social norms intervention with Professional Rugby Union Players in Ireland

Lyons, Deirdre, Clarke, Philip, Smyth, Mark, Burrow, Emma, Gilpin, Pamela, Horan, Marcus and Dempsey, Robert C ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6477-2363 (2025) The ‘5Rs of Rugby’: a reflective case study on the reality and challenges associated with conducting a mental health literacy and social norms intervention with Professional Rugby Union Players in Ireland. Case Studies in Sport and Exercise Psychology. ISSN 2470-4849 (In Press)

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Abstract

Professional athletes face unique pressures on their wellbeing, particularly during elite competitions. In the context of professional rugby union, there is little research into players’ mental health experiences, literacy, and help-seeking. We implemented a social-norms intervention which aimed to improve outcomes in these three areas in the 2022/2023 season. The present case study presents a reflective account of the reality of implementing this project across Irish professional rugby union teams from the perspective of the key collaborators in the project, including staff working for Rugby Players Ireland, clinical staff who provide wellbeing services to players, and academic researchers. We identify several considerations for future applied research of this nature with professional athletes, including the importance of developing flexible and collaborative relationships between practitioners and academic researchers. We discuss measuring impact, logistical and planning difficulties, gaining entry and ensuring buy-in, and engaging athletes through effective delivery in professional sport. Balancing the (often idealised) demands of academic research with the practical realities of elite sport remains a challenge, but one that, when navigated effectively, can help bridge the gap between research and applied practice.