Rugby InjuriesSchool, Club and Senior Rugby in Cape Town

Where you play, and who is playing, changes the injuries that are most likely.

• Scrums, rucks and mauls

  Forwards

  Repeated collisions at close quarters, and the pushing and lifting of set pieces.

  Demands: Neck, shoulders, lower back and knees

• Speed and open-field tackles

  Backs

  Sprinting, sidestepping and tackling at pace in open space.

  Demands: Hamstrings, ankles, knee ligaments and shoulders

• Growing players

  School and youth rugby

  Players of very different sizes and stages of growth on the same field, with growing bones and a slower recovery from concussion.

  Demands: Concussion, growth-plate injuries and a cautious return to play

• A fast-growing game

  Women's rugby

  More women and girls are playing than ever, at school, club and representative level.

  Demands: Concussion, and knee ligament (ACL) injuries, which are more common in female athletes

• Concussion

  Why: A knock to the head, or a heavy collision that jolts the head, in a tackle, ruck or fall.

  Signs: Headache, dizziness, confusion, feeling foggy or not yourself — with or without being knocked out. Never play on.

  Read the concussion guide→

• Shoulder dislocation and AC joint injuries

  Why: Tackling with the arm away from the body, or landing on the point of the shoulder.

  Signs: Severe shoulder pain, a shoulder that looks out of place, or a bump on top of the shoulder; difficulty lifting the arm.

• Knee ligament injuries

  Why: A blow to the side of the knee in a tackle or ruck, or twisting and changing direction.

  Signs: Pain and swelling, a pop at the time of injury, or a knee that feels unstable or gives way.

• Ankle sprains

  Why: Being tackled or rucked with the foot planted, or landing awkwardly — including the slower-healing 'high ankle' sprain.

  Signs: Pain, swelling and bruising, and difficulty walking or pushing off.

• Hamstring strains

  Why: Sprinting and accelerating, especially when fatigued — common in backs.

  Signs: A sudden pain or pull in the back of the thigh, often stopping a sprint.

• Neck injuries and 'stingers'

  Why: Scrums, tackles and rucks that bend or compress the neck.

  Signs: Neck pain, or a burning, tingling or weak arm after contact. Neck pain with tingling, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs needs urgent assessment — the player should not be moved.

• Thigh corks (dead legs)

  Why: A knee or shoulder driven into the front of the thigh.

  Signs: Pain, swelling and stiffness in the thigh, and difficulty bending the knee.

• Hand and finger injuries

  Why: Grabbing jerseys, tackling and falling on the hand.

  Signs: Painful, swollen or bent fingers, or being unable to straighten or bend a fingertip.

• Learn safe technique

  Good tackling, rucking and scrummaging technique is one of the best ways to reduce serious injuries. BokSmart, SA Rugby's safety programme, promotes safe techniques for players and coaches.

• Use an injury-prevention warm-up

  Structured warm-ups such as World Rugby's Activate programme, done regularly, can reduce injuries in players of all ages.

• Build neck and shoulder strength

  Strength training for the neck, shoulders and trunk helps players absorb contact, especially forwards.

• Arrive at the season fit

  A proper pre-season builds the fitness, speed and strength players need before contact and matches start.

• Recover between games

  Sleep, nutrition and lighter sessions between matches help players recover from the demands of a weekly fixture list.

• Never play on with a concussion

  Any player with a suspected concussion should be removed from play and not return on the same day.

For more on safe rugby and concussion, visit the BokSmart concussion protocol (SA Rugby).

1. 1
   With Dr. Ganda

   Assessment and diagnosis

   A full assessment with Dr. Janesh Ganda, with X-ray, ultrasound or other imaging where needed, a clear diagnosis, and referral to an orthopaedic surgeon if an injury needs it.

2. 2
   With your rehab team

   Rehabilitation

   A structured rehab programme to restore movement, strength and conditioning, usually with a physiotherapist or biokineticist, and progressing to rugby-specific training.

3. 3
   Back to rugby

   Return-to-play clearance

   A graduated return to contact training and matches, with medical clearance before contact — following the required steps after a concussion.