Rugby Union/Injuries

Injury Modifications

6 injury guides

Guidelines for safely modifying workouts when dealing with common injuries. Always consult a healthcare professional for specific medical advice.

Ankle

Ankle injury modifications for rugby players

Red Flags - Seek Immediate Care

  • Inability to bear weight
  • Significant swelling and bruising
  • Visible deformity
  • Pain at fibula (high ankle sprain)
  • Tenderness over bone (fracture risk)

Concussion

Concussion protocol for rugby players - most common match injury for 7 consecutive seasons

Red Flags - Seek Immediate Care

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Worsening headache
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Increasing confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Weakness or numbness
  • Unequal pupils

Hamstring Strain

Hamstring strain modifications for rugby players - most common training injury for 6 consecutive seasons

Red Flags - Seek Immediate Care

  • Bruising visible
  • Popping sensation at injury
  • Complete inability to contract muscle
  • Significant weakness

Knee

Knee injury modifications for rugby players

Red Flags - Seek Immediate Care

  • Knee giving way or instability
  • Significant swelling within hours
  • Locking or catching sensation
  • Unable to bear weight
  • Audible pop at time of injury

Neck

Neck injury modifications for rugby players

Red Flags - Seek Immediate Care

  • Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling down arms
  • Weakness in arms or hands
  • Loss of grip strength
  • Balance or coordination problems
  • Any symptoms after head/neck contact
  • Neck pain with movement

Shoulder

Shoulder injury modifications for rugby players

Red Flags - Seek Immediate Care

  • Shoulder dislocation or subluxation
  • Significant weakness in arm
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Visible deformity
  • Severe pain with any movement