Rugby League World Cup 2021

The Rugby League World Cup 2021 is the sixteenth of the Rugby League World Cup. The world cup or tournament is going to be held between October 15^th and November 19^th, 2022. England is the host country for this sixteenth Rugby League World Cup, and a total of 16 teams are participating in The Rugby League World Cup 2021. The Rugby League World Cup 2021 was originally scheduled between October 23^rd and November 27^th, 2021. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent withdrawals of New Zealand and Australia caused, the world cup was postponed.

The Rugby League World Cup is a comprehensive tournament contested by the top men’s rugby national teams. The first Rugby League World Cup was played in France in 1954. Usually, the tournament is held or played after four years. The host country for the Rugby League World Cup is different for every tournament. Australia is considered the top team, as it has won 11 titles. Undoubtedly, Rugby is an interesting game that is very popular worldwide. People who are excited about the Rugby League World Cup and are ready to arrange their own tournaments have to be noticed the common injuries in rugby.

As it is one of the high-contact sports, it may cause several injuries. The injuries in rugby usually result from overuse, repetitive movements, and traumatic conditions. This article is a detailed account of the common injuries found in rugby. As well as this, you can also get the best preparation tips to get a safe and injury-free rugby experience. So, let’s start here:  

Common Injuries in Rugby

Rugby can cause several overuse injuries in both professional and amateur rugby players. However, the following are the most common injuries found in rugby players:

1.         Acromioclavicular joint sprain

The acromioclavicular joint, commonly known as the AC joint, is a part of the shoulder complex. It is located at the outside point of the collarbone, where it attaches to the shoulder blade’s front. A sprain in the Acromio clavicular joint occurs when the ligaments of the joint are damaged. The ligaments of the AC joints are most commonly damaged or injured when you fall onto the tip of the shoulder.

Treatment

It has been observed that taking pain-relieving medications is obviously beneficial at the initial stages of the injury. as well as this, icing the injured area for at least 20 minutes after every two hours is best to reduce pain and swelling. However, it is advised not to put ice directly on the injured area.

Prevention

Professional trainers and healthcare professionals suggest that wearing supportive garments helps reduce the chances of injuries during practice and sports. For example, wearing adjustable posture brace correctors for clavicle support helps reduce the risk of overuse injuries when you practice or play.

2.         Fracture or dislocation of the thumb

A thumb fracture or dislocation occurs when the ligaments or tissues that hold the thumb joint are damaged or torn. The thumb bones then move and are dislocated from their normal position. Falling and jolting during rugby can cause thumb dislocation. 

Treatment

The more severe or chronic conditions of a thumb dislocation may cause potentially long-term functional impairment of the hands. Undoubtedly, the price method, such as protection, rest, icing, compression, and elevation, helps a lot in reducing the symptoms of dislocated thumb. But the more severe condition may require surgery to repair the damaged ligaments of the thumb joint. Your healthcare professional may suggest you wear wrist and thumb support to relieve pain.

Prevention

Preventing a thumb fracture or dislocation is not a big deal. Request your physiotherapist or professional trainers to tape your thumb and avoid hitting or falling during practice or a match.

3.         Slipped disc

High-contact sports like rugby can put you at a high risk of slipped disc problems. Repeated stress from tackling can gradually break down the connective tissues around the discs, causing disc slip. Slipped disc usually results in pain and swelling. 

Treatment

Rest and immobilising your neck or back is the primary measure to deal with the pain and other discomforts of disc slip problems. However, your GP might suggest stronger painkillers and steroid injections to use in the short term, relieving pain and other discomforts. More severe conditions may require surgery to realign the discs.  

Prevention

Improving posture and regular stretching exercises help athletes, or rugby players avoid slipped disc problems. However, wearing adjustable back support/brace for lumbar support & posture correctors helps you avoid back injuries in rugby, offering you an injury-free experience.

4.         Hamstring strain

The increased physical demands on rugby players add extra strain and risk to the lower limbs, leading to serious injuries. The hamstring strain is a prime example. It has been reported as the most common injury that affected England’s World Cup-winning squad back in 2003. The hamstring strain usually happens when the hamstring muscles can be forcibly stretched beyond their normal position, causing the muscle tissues to be torn.

Treatment

PRICE protocol, including protection, rest, ice massage, compression, and elevating the injured area, is the immediate treatment for a hamstring strain. Your GP or professional trainers may restrict your athletic activities for several months to provide your calves enough time to recover or heal properly.

Prevention

Hamstring stretching exercises help reduce the risk of injuries. As well as, wearing compression calf supports helps protect your calf muscles during practice and sports.

5.         Sprained ankle

A sprained ankle is one of the common overuse injuries in sports, especially in rugby. It happens when the soft tissues of ankles, especially ligaments, are damaged. The condition usually happens when the ankle is twisted inward.

Treatment

PRICE method or protocol is enough to reduce mild to moderate symptoms of the sprained ankle. However, a more severe condition may require serious medical attention or surgical process to recover and may take longer to heal.

Prevention

Tapping and bracing the ankles help reduce the risk of a sprained ankle. You can also follow the preventive measures suggested by your healthcare professionals to get a safe rugby experience.

How to get better prepared before a rugby match

Experts suggest the following tips to prepare well before your practice or a rugby match:

• Conditioning: Every athlete must follow a good pre-season strength and conditioning plan. You can follow whatever plans suggested by your professional trainers. 
• Body warm-up: Ensure that your body is completely warmed up before practice and participating in a rugby match.
• Cool down and recovery: Cooling down your body properly after practice or a match session helps get recovery from the heaviness or tiredness you feel after a match.  
• Hydration: During exercises, your body experiences water loss due to sweating, reducing performance. Keeping your body hydrated is crucial to perform well.
• Nutrition: It is crucial to find the right balance between carbohydrates, fats, and proteins so that your body has enough fuel to last. Take a well-balanced diet, or you can follow the diet plans suggested by your professional trainers.
• Other tips: You need to follow all other preventive measures or safety tips recommended by your healthcare professionals or professional trainers to perform well.