Common Rugby Injuries

Rugby is a fast-moving and high intensity team sport. Although historically dominated by males, the sport is gaining popularity among female athletes, particularly at the high school and collegiate levels.

As many as 1 in 4 rugby players will be injured during the season. On average, each player performs 20- 40 tackles per match, with little to no protective equipment. The lack of protective equipment increases the risk of sustaining a variety of injuries, from concussions, to ligament injuries, fractures, and contusions.

Almost 25% of neck injuries in rugby occur when there is a mismatch in size and experience between the two opposing front rows.

Head

• Concussion

Shoulder

• Rotator Cuff Tear
• Shoulder AC Joint Sprain/Separation
• Shoulder Dislocation

Knee

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear
• Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain (MCL)

Lower Leg

• Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (aka “shin splints”)
• Stress Fractures of the Tibia

Ankle

• Lateral Ankle Sprains
• High Ankle Sprains – Syndesmosis Sprains