The sport of rugby union is high-speed and can be brutal when you’re out on the field. While playing this sport can be thrilling, it has its own set of drawbacks, as an article that appeared on ESPN Scrum points out:
A leading surgeon has expressed his concern at the increasing number of injuries saying that rugby had become “a sport for freaks”. The most serious recent injury came the weekend before last when Italy center Luca Morisi had his spleen removed after suffering internal injuries during a tough match against Fiji, while England hooker Dylan Hartley was left requiring treatment for a bruised lung after the All Blacks match.
A noted orthopedic specialist has stated that, “If this was boxing, we’d be starting to look at the rules. I am not an expert on rugby’s rules but my view is that somehow or other the game has to acknowledge that the impact at ruck and maul must be reduced.” Indeed, the need to reduce serious injuries and implement more stringent safety rules will impact all American ruggers, even those based in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The ‘Nooga rugby scene is moderately vibrant, with a local league pitting eight XVs against each other. The US is an active participant in the international rugby scene, with the USA Eagles going to action in the IRB World Sevens Series, the Rugby World Cup, and for the first time, in this year’s Pacific Nations Cup.
If you’ve sustained injuries while playing rugby, you’ll need to consult physicians who specialize in sports medicine in Chattanooga, like those at the Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics. Ruck is a game in which one player from both teams bind their shoulders while the ball is underneath them. Orthopedic specialists warn that complications could result because hastily clearing everybody may lead to serious knee injuries, especially if someone tackles players quickly.
Mauls take place after rucks when several people hold the ball at the same time. A Chattanooga sports medicine specialist can help work out a solution for a rugby player who needs to build up more endurance while training. However, the process will have to be gradual and take the player’s overall condition into account.
Orthopedic specialists state that the emphasis on size has become a threat to player safety. Union rugby has gone from a sport that welcomes players of all shapes and sizes to a sport that favors the bulky. Notice how the training of Wales rep Shane Williams sacrificed his trademark mobility for a more physical game. By revising the rules and working with experienced athletic trainers, rugby players can reduce the injuries they sustain.
(Article Excerpt and Image from Rugby is becoming ‘a sport for freaks’; ESPN Scrum)