Rugby facing ‘injury crisis’

WALES fitness coach Andrew Hore is concerned about an increase in injuries caused by the brutal nature of the modern game and the intensity of the fixture list.

Hore believes the calendar has to change for smaller nations to eradicate the problem and compete with the likes of New Zealand, South Africa, England and France.

“The countries that are going to get affected most are the smaller nations, like the Celtic League nations, with small playing populations,” warned Hore.

“It’s not going to change until the Welsh regions get better medical cover, and until we appreciate that players take far more impact than they ever have before.

“It’s going to get worse because the likes of New Zealand and South Africa are appreciating that and instead of fielding tired teams they are giving their players the conditioning time that is going to make them bigger, faster and stronger.”