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World Rugby reveals injury-prevention plans

By Russell Greaves
A rugby union physio

World Rugby has announced new measures aimed at mitigating the risk of injury in the sport. 

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The global governing body set out its vision for 2019, outlining an evidence-based approach to injury prevention and a continued emphasis on reducing instances of concussion. 

It cited “five key pillars” to its plans, beginning with a law review forum to be held in Paris in March, while also placing focus on training load, injury surveillance, game preparation and tackle education.

“The plan is centred on detailed research to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the causes of injury, both in a match and training environment, as well as a sustained and aligned approach to the implementation of prevention strategies across the game, from administrators, coaches, players and medics to referees,” read a statement from World Rugby.

Bill Beaumont, chairman of the organisation, said significant strides had been made in the area of injury prevention, but highlighted key areas in which further work is needed.

He said: “Much progress has been made, particularly in the priority area of concussion. While player safety is rightly an emotive topic, it is important to note that globally injury incidence has not increased, which is testament to the injury-management programmes implemented across the game.

“However, we continually strive for enhancement, and with the full support of our unions and their respective clubs, we can make further advances, particularly in the area of training load management, which is a key contributor to match injuries.”

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Bull Shark 1 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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