Rugby is a fantastic high energy contact sport which sees its fair share of injuries. Knowing how to treat them, and treat them correctly is going to prove invaluable to your team members.
The RFU (Rugby Football Union) do not publish a definitive guide to Medical Care Pitchside but have a basic advice area in their community section which states:
“Everyone involved in rugby has a role to play in making the game enjoyable and above all as safe as possible. Those who hold a coaching position or have a volunteer role providing pitchside care also have a specific responsibility to provide a safe and competent level of care to any injured player. Rugby is a contact sport and in common with all contact sports, playing the game carries a risk of injury and while serious injuries are rare, you will need to be prepared to deal with the full range of incidents that could occur on the training ground or pitch.”
Firstaid4sport manufactures a range of Rugby First Aid Kits to provide a safe and competent level of care pitchside.
Rugby injuries are reported to be nearly three times higher than football injuries, approximately half of all injuries occur during the 2nd half of a match while a player is tackling or being tackled.
The player’s position also determines the most common injury likely to occur. For instance, forwards receive a lot of injuries in particular bruising because of the frequent physical collisions and tackles sustained with the opposition. In the scrum, the locks are at great risk of facial cuts and cauliflower ears (external deformity to the ear caused by repeated blows).
What kinds of injuries occur?
Over 40% of rugby injuries are muscular strains and bruising, 30% are sprains, followed by dislocations, fractures and cuts.
Knee injuries and sprained ankles are a common rugby injury with ankle injuries representing almost 1 in 7 injuries. Rugby players also suffer from regular head injuries including concussion. Shoulder injuries are also common.
Injury Prevention in rugby
Most injuries occur at the beginning of the season. Some of these injuries could be prevented With a pre-season training program, gradually increasing the intensity and duration of training.
Injury prevention strategies could include coaching on defense skills, correct tackling and falling techniques will help minimize the absorption of impact within tackles.
Players must have properly fitted and maintained equipment to reduce the risk of injury to themselves or others. Mouthguards and head guards are two of the most important pieces of equipment to prevent injury within rugby.
Visit our Rugby Shop for First Aid Kits and Taping and Strapping especially selected for Rugby Players.