Rugby Union - preventing injury

Rugby union is a popular football code for all ages and is played by juniors right through to adults. It is a contact sport that requires strength, speed and ball-handling and kicking skills. A high proportion of injuries associated with rugby occur during the tackle.

Common injuries

• Lower limbs
• Upper limbs
• Head and face.

Preventing injury

• Be prepared
• Use good technique and practices
• Wear the right protective gear
• Check the environment
• Know yourself and the sport.

Be prepared

• Do some physical pre-season preparation during the off-season, and get advice on a conditioning program from either a coach or fitness advisor.
• Develop your individual and team skills, with guidance from your coach, before playing in competitive situations.
• Consider having a pre-participation medical screening, with a qualified and 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.

Use good technique and practices

• 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 ensure their knowledge is up to date.
• Make sure umpires are accredited and that team members stick to the rules to reduce the risk of injury.

Wear the right protective gear

• Seek professional advice on footwear.
• Consider preventive ankle taping or bracing to reduce injury risks.
• Wear a mouthguard at all times during games and practices.
• 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.

Check the environment

• Check and maintain the playing surface to remove hazards.
• Provide adequate run-off area around the ground.
• Check that posts are padded and secured firmly to the ground with no part posing a tripping risk.

Know yourself and the sport

• Choose activities that are suited to your fitness level.
• Follow the rules and play fairly.
• Know and use the right techniques.

Other safety tips

• 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.

Respond promptly to injuries

• Seek prompt attention from qualified first aid personnel.
• Make sure you are fully rehabilitated before returning to play.
• Wear a support aid like an ankle brace for at least three months after serious ankle injury.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Always call triple zero for an ambulance in an emergency Tel. 000
• Physiotherapist
• Smartplay Tel. (03) 9674 8777

Things to remember

• Rugby union is a contact sport that requires strength, speed and ball-handling and kicking skills.
• A high proportion of injuries associated with rugby occur during the tackle.
• Using the right techniques and equipment for the sport can help prevent injury.