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Safety Q&A


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Does a headgear do anything to prevent concussion and should it be compulsory?



  • No research to support Headgear reducing concussion
  • Very useful for reducing lacerations and protects ears
  • Can build confidence for kids
  • Most important to reducing concussion is good technique in contact and in the tackle
  • Being fit enough to use good technique for the full game will decrease the risk for concussion

Are there any benefits to wearing headgear?



  • Very useful for reducing lacerations and protects ears
  • Reduces ability to get rid of heat, so in a hot environment players may overheat?

Mouthguards - Do I get one professionally made or is the one from the chemist ok?



  • The better the fit of the mouthguard the more likely kids are to wear them to play
  • Professionally fitted mouthguards will decrease risk of dental injuries & fracturing a jaw
  • There is a link with a decrease risk of concussion
  • No mouthguard no play
  • Some protection is better than none and a chemist fitted mouthguard is better than nothing
  • Even at the professional level players will sometimes forget their mouthguard and they will use a chemist made mouthguard in that situation

Can they wear anything to protect their chest and shoulders - like shoulder pads?



I have a hypermobile child - are there things he/she can do to prevent injury?



  • - Hypermobile children are at greater risk of injury
    - If diagnosed they should see a physio and review their hypermobility and their particular areas of risk
  • The Physio may develop have a program that strengthens the child before playing rugby although some children may not be suitable
  • There is an injury prevention program called 'Prep to Perform' that can reduce the risk of injury significantly
  • This program has seen a reduction in injuries and a reduction in concussion, when done 2-3 times a week
  • Click here to learn about the Prep to Perform Program


Is there adequate warm-up and cooldown of players?



  • There is an injury prevention program called 'Prep to Perform' that can reduce the risk of injury and concussion significantly
  • This program has seen a reduction in injuries and a reduction in concussion, when done 2-3 times a week
  • Many exercises are similar to what they would do in rehab from an injury
  • Professional players perform this routine

Before playing rugby in older age groups, is there anything I can do to prevent injuries?



  • Screening is recommended for all athletes to do regardless of sport
  • Find a local physio that has an interest in rugby
  • Physios will test joints, necks, balance, strength and endurance in certain muscle groups
  • They can then prescribe strengthening exercises specifically for that athlete to prevent injuries and improve performance