The injured Rugby player

The majority of Rugby injuries are to the limbs and are the usual bumps, bruises, strains and sprains. Rugby is a collision sport involving tackling with the arms and shoulders. This inevitably comes with a small risk of players being knocked out (unconscious). On the field, players may be unconscious because they have had a bang on the head, but in some situations such as in the changing room, it may be due to another medical cause such as a diabetic player who has dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) or even a cardiac arrest.

If you have witnessed the injury, then the cause may be obvious. But it is important to keep an open mind about potentially serious injuries and ensure you request help urgently.