As the rugby union Autumn internationals series gets underway, Bath wing Semesa Rokoduguni made his England debut against New Zealand; new caps George Kruis of Saracens and Rokoduguni’s team-mate Anthony Watson were also on the bench.
England’s rugby union team have struggled with injuries lately; props Dan Cole, Alex Corbisiero and Mako Vunipola, hooker Tom Youngs, locks Geoff Parling and Ed Slater, and flankers Tom Croft and Tom Johnson all missed training through injury during October alongside Wasps Captain James Haskell, who contracted a mystery virus.
Though many of England’s walking wounded have since returned to training, Luther Burrell (hand) and Manu Tuilagi (groin) remain long-term doubts due to injury, with Tuilagi likely to miss the entire autumn series.
Shoulder, knee and ligament problems are all common in rugby, which combines twisting and turning with acceleration and physical contact. Bruises and bumps are common, though these are generally manageable and are accompanied by a controlled return to play.
To treat traumatic injuries, such as those to the knee and neck, a more holistic approach is required. This can encompass rule changes (such as to scrums, to reduce impact and help prevent scrum collapse); strength and conditioning training (for example neck strength training for front row forwards); specific warm-up regimens – in football, FIFA have introduced the 11+ warm-up system (studies show this has reduced injuries); and player education, about how to land or ride a tackle.
“In a team sport like rugby, you want players on the pitch”, said ISEH consultant Ademola Adejuwon. “That means minimising the extent of any injuries, maximising injury prevention, and ensuring the whole squad is as match-ready as possible. Clubs employ a variety of means to do this, and many will provide players with a tailored programme for treatment and prevention, based on a player’s position and injury profile.”
Despite their injury problems, the England rugby team’s head coach Stuart Lancaster is optimistic about the series, with a recent Daily Telegraph article quoting him as saying that the squad is well prepared and positive. England played New Zealand on 8 November, with games against South Africa, Samoa and Australia to follow.
The ISEH offers treatment and rehabilitation for a range of rugby-related injuries, via NHS and private referrals. Several of our consultants have close links to the world of rugby together with wide experience of treating both elite and weekend players.
The ISEH is also aiming to establish a specialist concussion management service, which will work in partnership with major sports governing bodies to provide a comprehensive ground breaking service.
Find out more about referrals and making appointments at the ISEH.