Common Injuries from Rugby Games

Rugby is perhaps the most demanding and physical contact sport in the world. Factor in the absence of padding and other safety gear for most players and it’s hardly surprising that injuries spring up left and right during a rugby game. In fact, a sprain here and a dislocation there are practically to be expected. The following are the most common types of injuries that rugby players get while playing the game.

Head Injuries

Every part of a player’s body is vulnerable in a rugby game, not least of which is the head. Minor lacerations and scratches are normal during regulation time, especially since players generally have little to no protective gear when they play. There is also a risk for broken facial bones, especially that of the nose, and concussions. The neck area is also susceptible to injuries during a rugby match.

Shoulder Injuries

For the most part, rugby players use their shoulders to tackle their opponents. There is also a chance that a player would land on his shoulder after a tackle. These can cause injuries in the shoulder area in the form of torn ligaments and dislocated or broken bones. Apart from the bones, joints, and ligaments of the shoulder, the collar bones are vulnerable to damage as well.

Finger Injuries

Since the ball is clutched in the hands of the players most of the time, finger injuries are also common in rugby games. The thumb is perhaps the finger that is most frequently injured. Thumb injuries include simple sprains to major bone fractures. These can be obtained from bad falls, collisions with other players, and wrong ball handling.

Knee Injuries

Another area where injuries commonly occur during rugby games is the knee. Major damage to this part of the body might spell the end of a person’s rugby career. It is usually the ligaments that are the most at risk in the knee area. This is the reason why anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are common in most sports.

Ankle and Foot Injuries

The occasional sprained ankle also happens every once in a while during a rugby match. When players run up and down the field several times in rugby games, there is a big possibility for aches and pains to develop in the ankle and foot area.