Are you thinking about playing but concerned about the safety of rugby? We understand. There is a certain stereotype that comes with the game that may lead some people to think that is is a highly dangerous sport.
The facts however are this: rugby is a contact sport, and while there are inherent risks in any contact sport, such as football, lacrosse, or hockey, the risks in rugby are no greater than any other contact sport. Here’s why:
1). The laws of the game prohibit dangerous hits or tackles that are prevalent in football, such as spearing, body slamming, dumping a ball carrier on their head, or wrapping up a ball carrier for a tackle above their shoulders. Such tackles are penalized heavily during a game.
2). The lack of protective equipment seen in many contact sports forces a tackler to use the proper, safe form when bringing down a ball carrier, preventing many of the dangerous tackles listed above.
3). There is no blocking allowed in rugby. In that, the pace of play is slower than in football or other contact sports, leading to less high-impact collisions.
4). Ball carriers are trained to understand that getting tackled is okay. As there are no “downs” in rugby, there is no demand to make a down and distance in a specific period like football. In that, ball carriers are trained to go to the ground safely to reset the play. This further prevents high-impact collisions and injuries seen when trying to overextend a play.
Safety is trained in every player.
So, given the facts, cuts and bruises will happen. But there is no additional danger than that of any other contact sport. The brotherhood and camaraderie of the sport makes some of those cuts and bruises worth it.
If after consideration of the facts laid out you are still interested in joining our club and taking part in the second biggest sport in the world, message us at our Facebook or Instagram pages below!