Conditioning is critical to withstanding the demands of rugby. Players are encouraged to engage in a training program that emphasizes strength, endurance, and flexibility. Also, rugby puts different demands on players depending on the positions they play on the field. Coaches should create position-specific conditioning programs.
Play by the rules. Foul play hurts your team and increases the risk of injuries. Seek out leagues and coaches that emphasize fair play. The introduction of the card system for foul play, such as high tackles, has done much to improve player safety.
- When a player gets a yellow card, they must leave the field for 15 minutes.
- When a player gets a red card, they are removed from the field for the rest of the game. No substitutions are allowed for a player who receives a red card.
Practice proper tackling, rucking, and scrumming technique. In rugby, in order to protect players’ necks and heads, it’s illegal to be in contact with an opponent’s shoulders while tackling them. This is far different from the American football tackling technique of driving through an opponent. Coaches should teach, and players should practice, correct rugby technique.
Wear the right equipment, including a fitted, high-quality mouth guard. Other equipment such as headgear, shoulder pads, chest pads, and ear guards are not required by most leagues, but may reduce the risk of injury.
If you’re hurt, get off the field. Playing through pain hurts your team and hurts yourself. Take care of yourself to avoid injuries that could cause you to miss the rest of the season.
