Full Contact Fun, Less Injuries

Despite the aggressive appearance of the sport, rugby has become a relatively safe sport - compared to other collision-type team sports like football and hockey.  Since no hard-shelled pads are allowed, players must develop proper contact skills.  For example, unlike football, defending players must maintain controlled contact  throughout the tackle.  And, players are not allowed to hit a player that does not have the ball or does not have their feet on the ground.  In fact, current medical research is supporting the introduction of rugby-style tackles in football to reduce concussions and head/neck injuries.  And, the governing bodies of rugby embraced the latest concussion management guidelines long before football or hockey.  Furthermore, the Rugby culture puts a premium on good sportsmanship, mutual respect and camaraderie: values that have become less apparent at all levels of today's "mainstream" sports. These differences maximize player safety without minimizing competitiveness.