Rugby Spinal Cord Injuries Decline in Scotland

A rise in the spinal injury incidence rate in school rugby in Scotland appears to have been stopped after new rules were brought in.

The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) was concerned that the number of schoolboys suffering spinal injuries was on the rise after seven incidents in the space of three years.

Since the rule changes were brought in last year, there have been no serious spinal injuries among schoolboy players.

The rules prevent boys aged under 16 years from playing in under-17 and under-18-level matches.

In addition, all coaches, teachers and referees now have to undergo a safety training course.

The outcomes of the rule changes are to be presented at the British Orthopaedic Association Congress in Glasgow later this week.

Scotland international rugby star Thom Evans was forced to retire from the game recently after her sustained a severe spinal injury in a collision with Wales player Lee Byrne.

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