Common Rugby Injuries that Physiotherapists Treat

Rugby is a physically demanding sport that involves high levels of contact and intensity. As a result, rugby players are prone to various injuries. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating these injuries to help players recover and return to the field. Some common rugby injuries that physiotherapists often treat include: 

• Muscle strains: Rugby players commonly experience strains in muscles, such as hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, and groin muscles. 

• Ligament sprains: Ligament injuries, like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears or medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprains, can occur due to sudden changes in direction or direct blows to the knee by opposing players. 

• Joint dislocations: Shoulder dislocations are relatively common in rugby due to the tackling and physical contact involved in the sport. Also, landing after contact on an outstretched arm can also increase the risk of shoulder dislocations.  

• Fractures: Rugby players may sustain fractures, such as collarbone (clavicle) fractures or fractures of the arms, legs, nose, fingers, or facial bones. 

• Concussions: Head injuries, including concussions, are a significant concern in rugby due to high-impact collisions and tackles. Physiotherapists are trained in the return to sport management and activity modification for athletes to safely get them back as soon and as safe as possible.  

• Contusions and bruises: Bruises are prevalent in rugby, especially in areas like the thighs and upper body. 

• Cuts and abrasions: Rugby players may suffer cuts and grazes from contact with other players or the ground. Game-day physiotherapist and medical staff usually treat cuts and abrasions at the time of the incident.  

• Meniscal injuries: Twisting or sudden changes in direction can lead to meniscal tears in the knee. 

• Achilles tendon injuries: Overuse or sudden force on the Achilles tendon can cause tendinopathy, tears or complete ruptures. 

• Ankle sprains: Quick changes in direction, uneven ground, or collisions can result in ankle sprains. 

• Hamstring injuries: Rugby players frequently strain their hamstring muscles due to the running, kicking, sprinting and quickly accelerating and decelerating whilst playing the sport.  

• Groin injuries: Strains or pulls in the groin muscles can occur during rapid lateral movements. 

• Stress fractures: Overuse and repetitive impacts can lead to stress fractures, commonly in the shins (tibia) or feet. 

• Shoulder injuries: Apart from dislocations, rugby players may experience shoulder impingements, rotator cuff injuries, or acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprains. AC joint injuries are a common injury from heavy tackling.  

• Lower back pain: Rugby players, particularly forwards, are susceptible to lower back pain and injuries due to the physical demands of scrums and rucks. 

Physiotherapists work closely with rugby teams to provide rehabilitation programs, injury prevention strategies, and guidance on safe return-to-play protocols for players recovering from these injuries. We focus on strengthening, flexibility, and functional training to help players regain full fitness and reduce the risk of future injuries.