Rugby is a game of high contact and a physically demanding sport, so safety is a top priority during a game. Rugby is an excellent activity for most people, providing a high level of different types of exercise to keep people in good health and promoting greater stamina. Injury does happen, however, so check out the following information on the most common injuries and ways to avoid them:
Common injuries include:
In rugby for men, the most common injuries occur in the lower leg and account for between a third and almost half of all reported injuries associated with rugby-. Between 15 and 29% of injuries occurred in the upper limbs.
The next area affected by injuries tends to be the face and head. Rugby played by teams of women and in schools tend to have a higher case of head injuries, including concussion than at other levels of the game.
A significant proportion of injuries (56%) occur during the handling part of the game of rugby. Fortunately, serious injury and damage to the spine is very rare when playing rugby.
How to prevent injuries in rugby union:
The most effective prevention includes measures such as:
Proper physical preparation, including warm ups, cooling down, stretching and cooling.
proper training with skill and technique development.
adequate safety and protective equipment
proper enforcement of the rules of the game
the strong presence of coaches, referees and administrators of public health and safety
Here are some useful tips for all rugby players, regardless of level:
All players must be involved in pre-season physical preparation and follow a customized training plan directed by a fitness trainer or coach.
All players should receive guidance from their coaches to develop their team and individual skills before entering a competitive environment. The use of drills is recommended. For an effective Rugby Drill video, visit a site like https://www.sportplan.net/drills/Rugby/
The higher the level of physical preparation, the lower the risk of potential injury.
School-age children, players over the age of 35 and everyone new to the sport must receive a pre-participation medical examination by a sports doctor. Any advice given by sports doctors during the season, such as to refrain from play, must be obeyed.
Before the game, all players must complete a 15-30 minute warm up consisting of aerobic exercise, stretching and some skills exercises.
Proper stretching technique should be checked regularly by a sports physician or trainer.
During the match:
Training for handling should be introduced slowly and progressively to the player and should be the main focus of a lot of skills training sessions.
Mouthguards should always be worn during matches and training sessions where there is the potential impact to the jaw and teeth. If the mouthguard becomes damaged, it must be replaced immediately. If it is not broken, you should try to replace it at least every two years, more often for growing children.
Players must understand that injuries can still occur even with protective equipment. Every injured player must not return to the game until assessed and rehabilitated back to previous mobility, fitness and strength.