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)

Ankle

  • High Ankle Sprains – Syndesmosis Sprains
  • Peroneal Tendon Injuries
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the Talus

Lower Leg

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

Ankle

  • Lateral Ankle Sprains
  • High Ankle Sprains – Syndesmosis Sprains