NSW Rugby is leading the way in continuing to make rugby a safe sport for all players.
In a first for the game in New South Wales, respected Sport and Exercise Physician and long-time NSW Waratahs Team Doctor Sharron Flahive and Strength and Conditioning Coach Aaron Sculli have developed a programme aimed at reducing injuries and minimising the risk of concussion.
The Prepare to Perform programme or P2P, developed over the last 18 months, is designed to modify the way rugby teams warm up before training sessions and matches in a bid to continue to make rugby a safe sport to play.
“Research shows a reduction of lower limb injuries, concussion and in the number of players suffering recurring injuries.” Flahive said.
The 20-minute programme is a combination of exercises that develop overall stability, fitness, power and strength, and has the best impact when followed at least twice a week.Flahive said the results of a study of 2000 players in England showed a significant reduction in concussion and lower limb injuries.
“FIFA first looked into the best way to reduce injuries in football, establishing a warm up programme which has been extensively trialled and researched. The RFU in England then followed up with research of their own in conjunction with Bath University. We looked at both programmes and used aspects of both with additional features developed within the Waratahs’ programme,” Flahive said.
The programme includes exercises that strengthen the hamstrings, neck and core, and the NSW Waratahs have already incorporated these exercises into their overall strength and conditioning programme.
NSW Rugby and NSW Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore said it was important to the organisation that the game was safe for all participants.
“This is a game changer for rugby union in Australia. The research and P2P programme is another step towards making the game safer for everyone and this shows how seriously we are taking safety, concussion and the longer-term performance of all our players, from the community game to the Waratahs,” Hore said.
Flahive said the programme has already been introduced at Level 1 coaching courses and working towards its introduction at Under 16 level this year.
“We have developed video resources and other material for coaches and support staff to educate them on the programme, which they can then incorporate into their warm-up drills. We would strongly recommend that clubs and schools adopt this protocol because injury prevention is all of our responsibility and we hope that through this adapted routine, we can continue to make rugby safe for all.”
