INJURED! HURT! OUT!

After grueling and tough autumn internationals the injury list is mounting up. Two injuries come to mind, the South African Jean De Villiers and Ireland's Chris Henry.

De Villiers will have to have reconstructive surgery on his knee, after a crunching tackle in the game against Wales on Saturday. While Henry has had an operation on his heart, as a result of a blood vessel in his brain was blocked. Both of these young men have had fantastic careers but both face a long and tough recovery back to the game. In time for the World Cup? Maybe not!

SO HOW DO WE AVOID BAD INJURIES?

Some injuries are unavoidable, big tackles happen and sometimes we are just unlucky. The best way to prepare for a game, and to rule out avoidable injuries, is to:

1)    Stretch – Before the game have a good warm up and ensure you have stretched well.

2)    Train – In training practice tackling but also being hit, falling correctly and safely can prevent many injuries.

3)    Safety – Make sure you have a gum shield in at all times and also wear any other IRB approved protective gear you have. E.g. Headguards, Shoulder pads etc…

WHAT TO DO WHEN WE ARE HURT?

Injuries are a part of the game, we cannot fully avoid them but we can learn how to do deal with them when they occur. Here are our top tips to recovery:

1)    TELL someone – Make sure you inform a coach as soon as your injured, do not try and play when you know your hurt.

2)    REST – This might seem simple, but many players rush back to the game before their bodies are ready, risking further injury.

3)    BUILD the muscle back – Give your body time to get back to its strength, muscles need time to heal and time to get strong again.

4)    LEARN from your injury – You may always have to be a little careful with your body after some injuries, make sure you learn how to play and train so to build your strength back and be cautious of recurring injuries.

If you do have an injury, or are requiring more/new protective gear we have a full range here at RugbyPlus just call in store or shop online.

But injuries are a part of the game, we all get covered in mud, blood and bruises.

Always play for a love of the game!