Mar
8
Tuesday, March 08, 2011 10:51 AM
Rugby as a sport has traditionally gotten more notoriety and higher levels of participation in other countries, but it is growing quickly in the United States. USA Rugby teams are having more success at an international level. Youth and high-school rugby are also growing at tremendous rates. As the sport grows, it is important for players, parents, and coaches less familiar with the game to implement some ideas to keep the sport as safe as possible.
Incorporate speed and endurance training
Rugby players with lower speed and lower max VO2 (maximal aerobic power) are at increased risk for injury.2 Players who train for less than 18 weeks prior to an initial injury are at increased risk for a subsequent injury as well.2 Also, several rugby injuries seem to occur more frequently late in games when the players are fatigued. Therefore, incorporating speed and endurance training into workouts and practices for rugby teams might decrease injury rates.
Fully recover from injuries prior to returning to play
It makes sense that in a contact and collision sport such as rugby that players who suffer moderately severe injuries are at increased risk of sustaining a subsequent injury.2 Due to the significant force involved in the collisions and the speed and power of the players, it is essential that players fully heal from their injuries, recover full range of motion and strength, and have completed functional training prior to returning to the practice field.
Emphasize proper tackling technique
The tackle is the most dangerous aspect of rugby, as it has been shown to be responsible for up to 58% of all injuries in the sport.3 As rugby is a sport that involves tackling, and by the very nature of tackles in rugby, injuries will never be completely eliminated. Coaches and players should emphasize proper techniques and avoid dangerous tackles. Particular care should be taken to avoid hitting the ball carrier at the level of the shoulder or above, to minimize the risk of head-to-head contact. Teaching players to keep their chins off their chests, to keep their eyes open, and to be aware of the locations of other players as they tackle is essential to minimize the risk of injury to the head and neck.3
Consider having players participate in a balance and proprioception training program to decrease ankle injuries
Lateral ankle sprains have been shown to be a common injury in professional rugby union players. Poor balance and lack of proprioception have been identified as risk factors for lateral ankle sprains. Since a large percentage of ankle injuries in rugby are sustained in noncontact activities, training programs to teach proprioception and balance might decrease the rate of ankle injuries.
Incorporate ACL prevention programs into training
While ACL injuries are uncommon in terms of absolute numbers when looking at rugby injuries as a whole, they do account for the largest proportion of missed days.1 ACL prevention programs might not eliminate the risk of ACL injuries that occur by tackling, but they may help decrease the rate of noncontact mechanisms for tearing the ligament.
Keep playing fields safe
Rugby teams, especially at the youth and recreational level, often do not have dedicated fields to use for their own practices and games. Care should be used to ensure that fields are safe. Players and coaches must make sure that there are no dangers on the field, such as holes and rocks. There should also be adequate lighting and enough room on the perimeter of the field to avoid injuries from players being tackled toward the edges of the field.
References
1. Dallalana RJ, Brooks JHM, Kemp SPT, Williams AM. The epidemiology of knee injuries in English professional rugby union. Am J Sports Med. 2007;35:818-830.
2. Gabbett TJ, Domrow N. Risk factors for injury in subelite rugby league players. Am J Sports Med. 2005;33:428-434.
3. Quarrie KL, Hopkins WG. Tackle injuries in professional rugby union. Am J Sports Med. 2008;36:1705-1716.