Rugby union and rugby league are popular football codes for all ages and are played by juniors right through to adults. They are contact sports that require strength, speed, and ball-handling and kicking skills. A high proportion of injuries associated with rugby occur during the tackle.
In men’s rugby, parts of the body commonly injured include the: head and face. Schoolboy rugby and women’s rugby have a higher incidence of injury to the head and face, including concussion, than other levels of rugby union. To prevent injury, you should: Be prepared.
Use good technique and practices
Wear the right protective gear
Check the environment
Know yourself and the sport
- Do some physical pre-season preparation during the off-season
- get advice on a conditioning program from either a coach or fitness advisor. Develop your individual
- team skills
- with guidance from your coach
- before playing in competitive situations. Consider having a pre-participation medical screening
- with a qualified
- experienced practitioner (such as a sports physician or a general practitioner with sports medicine interest)
This is highly recommended for children, new players and those older than 35. Warm up, stretch and cool down. A standard warm-up (15–30 minutes) should consist of aerobic activity, stretching and skills practice.
Follow a regular stretching program to increase and maintain your flexibility. Suggestions include: Use the correct techniques for stretching.
Get advice from a coach or trainer
Introduce tackling progressively if you are a new player and make sure you receive regular skills training.
Try to remain on your feet at the breakdown
Regular training of correct team play for the breakdown is important, as this is how you prevent foul play.
Follow the correct techniques for de-powering the scrum at all times. Regular re-accreditation and education should be undertaken by coaches to make sure their knowledge is up to date. Make sure umpires are accredited and that team members play by the rules to reduce the risk of injury.
Suggestions include: Seek professional advice on footwear.
Consider preventive ankle taping or bracing to reduce injury risks
Wear a mouthguard at all times during games and training sessions. Check mouthguards regularly and replace them if they are damaged or broken.
Replacement should be more frequent for growing children
Consult a sports medicine practitioner about the value of using protective equipment if you have a previous severe injury.
Suggestions include: Check and maintain the playing surface to remove hazards
Provide adequate run-off areas around the ground.
Check that posts are padded and secured firmly to the ground with no part posing a tripping risk. Suggestions include: Choose activities that are suited to your fitness level.
Follow the rules and play fairly
Know and use the right techniques
Remember to: Drink water before, during and after play. Make sure qualified first aid personnel, first aid kits, icepacks and a stretcher are available at all times.
Check that there is telephone access, to contact emergency services
If you or someone else is injured: Seek prompt attention from qualified first aid personnel. Make sure you are fully rehabilitated before returning to play.
Consider wearing a support aid like an ankle brace after a serious ankle injury
Common injuries playing rugby lower limbs upper limbs Preventing rugby injuries Be prepared before playing rugby Use good technique and practices Wear the right protective gear Check the environment before playing rugby Know yourself and the sport of rugby Other safety tips Respond promptly to injuries Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Always call triple zero for an ambulance in an emergency Tel. 000 Physiotherapist Smartplay .
Key Points
- In men’s rugby, parts of the body commonly injured include the: head and face
- To prevent injury, you should: Be prepared
- Follow a regular stretching program to increase and maintain your flexibility
- Try to remain on your feet at the breakdown
- Regular training of correct team play for the breakdown is important, as this is how you prevent foul play