The sport of rugby has been growing in popularity worldwide as more people recognize its benefits for personal fitness and camaraderie. Due to its rising visibility, many people have misconceptions about the risks involved with playing this game. It’s not without reason that some have dubbed rugby the most dangerous sport on Earth. However, according to researchers who have examined the safety of various sports, rugby is not actually any more hazardous than others. The risk of injury in rugby stems from the fact that it’s a contact sport where players constantly collide at high speeds. Injuries can also occur due to the physical nature of strumming (when players push each other back into the field goal area) and line-outs (when two sets of forwards attempt to lift their teammates vertically).
Why is Rugby Considered so Dangerous?
Rugby players run the risk of suffering a range of injuries during a match due to the physical contact that takes place on the field. Players are often tackled to the ground by other players and maybe accidentally stepped on by another player’s foot. Additionally, rugby players are at greater risk of injury due to the speed at which they are required to run, with studies suggesting that players run an average of 10-15 miles each game. Click here to read more.
Rugby players also have a high chance of suffering a concussion due to repeated blows to the head. Both the speed and the physical contact that takes place in rugby are what makes it a dangerous sport, as injuries can occur in even the most controlled of situations. For example, even though rugby players wear pads and helmets, they still have a high chance of suffering a concussion. This is because the force of impact is often enough to cause a concussion even while wearing headgear.
Rugby Injuries: The Numbers
Knee ligament sprains are the most common rugby injury, followed by shoulder dislocation, contusion, and ankle ligament sprains. Overall, the majority of rugby injuries are related to the knee and ankle, followed by the shoulder and lower back. A rugby player’s rate of injury depends on a variety of factors, including their level of play and the position that they play. For example, a study of women’s rugby found that props (the players who form the scrum) had the highest injury rate, followed by fly halves (the player who attempts to score points). Fly halves were more likely to suffer a concussion than any other player, while props were the most likely to get a knee ligament sprain.
Types of Rugby Injuries
- Concussions: A concussion occurs when the brain is jarred, resulting in the disruption of normal brain function. Most rugby players will experience at least one concussion per season; however, the risk of sustaining a concussion is greater while playing rugby than while playing other contact sports like American football. This is due to the nature of rugby, which has frequent scrums, mauls, and tackle attempts.
- Knee ligament sprains: This injury occurs when the knee is bent too far, causing one or more of the knee ligaments to stretch beyond their normal length. Knee ligament sprains are the most common type of rugby injury, with around 28% of all rugby injuries being this type of sprain.
- Contusions: A contusion, or bruise, develops when the blood vessels surrounding the tissue are broken, resulting in blood leaking into the surrounding area. The majority of contusions occur when a rugby player’s knee or thigh is hit by the ball when they are attempting a kick.
- Shoulder dislocation: This injury occurs when a rugby player’s shoulder is forcibly pulled out of its socket. Shoulder dislocations are an uncommon rugby injury, occurring in between 0.08% and 0.5% of all rugby games.
Rugby Safety Tips
- Warm-up: Rugby players should warm up before each match. A warm-up can decrease the risk of injury, improve performance, and aid muscle recovery after a game. A warm-up can include stretching, light exercises, and a short jog.
- Train for strength and speed: Rugby players should train for strength and speed, as both of these factors can reduce the risk of injury. Rugby is a game that requires both endurance and high levels of strength.
- Stay hydrated: Rugby players should drink plenty of water before, during, and after a match. Rugby players who fail to stay hydrated are at an increased risk of muscle cramps, fatigue, and heat stroke.
- Follow the correct protocol for injury treatment and rehabilitation. Rugby players should be familiar with the proper procedure for treating injuries. This includes knowing when and how to visit a doctor, what equipment to use, and how to apply the appropriate techniques.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Rugby players should eat a healthy diet consisting of a variety of nutritious foods. Rugby players should avoid consuming sugary or high-fat foods, which can impair performance.
- Be aware of your personal risk: Some people are at a higher risk of injury than others, and rugby players should be aware of their personal risk. Rugby players who are overweight, underweight, or overweight are at higher risk of injury.
- Follow the rules: Rugby players should follow the rules of the game, as breaking the rules can lead to serious injuries.
While rugby is a thrilling game, it can also be dangerous. Rugby players should be aware of the risk of injury when participating in the sport and should follow the correct protocol for treating injuries. Rugby players who warm up before matches, train for strength and speed, stay hydrated and follow a healthy diet are less likely to sustain an injury. Rugby players who follow the rules of the game are also less likely to get hurt.