World Rugby says the perception that the number of injuries suffered at World Cups has greatly increased is incorrect.

Twenty-two players were ruled out during the pool stage of the 2015 tournament compared to 19 at the same stage in 2011 and 37 in 2007.

'Injury rates at the elite level of the game have not increased since 2002,' a World Rugby spokesperson told the BBC. 'It is too early to make comparisons [between 2015 and other World Cups] as it is usual to see fluctuations during an event, but injuries do not appear to be out of step with the norm.

'A full review will be conducted as per usual after the tournament. Player welfare is World Rugby's No 1 priority.'

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