Injury rate to players ‘no worse than in 1995’

The Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association (IRUPA) has downplayed fears that more of its members will be forced to quit the game due to injuries.

Yesterday, Ireland and Munster flanker Denis Leamy confirmed his career is over due to a debilitating hip problem. But with his national and provincial colleagues Jerry Flannery and David Wallace also forced into early retirement this season, concerns have been expressed about the physical demands on those playing at the highest level and the nature of injuries they are suffering.

However the IRUPA Player Services Advisor, Hamish Adams, last night insisted that player welfare is a top priority for his organisation and for the IRFU. He also revealed that an IRB survey found that injury rates in professional rugby have remained static over the past decade.