This section of the WRU Game Locker will provide a dedicated space, and a range of resources covering aspects of health and welfare that women and girl rugby players, their coaches, and club volunteers should consider when planning to take part in any rugby related activity.
WRU Game Locker link Click here
“The WRU Community Department is committed to putting health and welfare at the heart of our game, and we aim to assist our clubs in the community by providing education and resource tools to help support them,” said Geraint John, the WRU’s community rugby director.
There are factors specific to women and girls in rugby which may impact their participation and performance due to differences in anatomy, physiology, and hormones between sexes. Some of these topics will form part of the resources, and include:
• Menstrual cycle
• Menopause
• Breast health
• Pelvic health and incontinence
• Pregnancy
• Injury prevention
These resources will provide information on these topics as well as helpful tips and guides for individuals to manage their health and welfare, alongside the physical demands of rugby. Menstrual cycle, pelvic health and injury prevention are available from today, with further resources to be released in the coming months.
These supportive resources have been produced with guidance from experts in their field at Swansea University and the Wales Senior women’s team.
Joanna Perkins is the physiotherapist for the Wales Women and says, “I have developed a passion for women’s health and welfare in the professional arena, and being able to support women and girl players here in Wales is an exciting opportunity, to help grow the game further. These resources are supportive to all persons who may need them, within your club and community.”
Jo Perkins
WRU Community Injury Surveillance
This exciting project aims to identify the areas of greatest injury risk in women’s community rugby, across all the home nations.
In support of injury prevention research, the WRU Community Department have teamed up with Cardiff Metropolitan University to take part in a injury research project, specifically designed towards women players.
The study will collect data on the rate and risks of injuries in adult rugby union and is a multi-centred, home nations collaboration.
The aim of the project is to try to determine how women’s medical & coaching practice may need to be adjusted, to ensure appropriate programmes are in place.
A dedicated focus on women’s welfare in the playing community will hopefully see a reduction in injury rates, increase participation and aid physical robustness.
“This project is a really exciting opportunity for women’s community rugby in Wales, to help shape our game and develop players, coaches, and ensure safe and positive playing environments for players now, and in the future”. said Lewis Cannon, the WRU’s Community Welfare Manager.
If your club is motivated to assist with the development of research for women players in community rugby in Wales, please get in touch to sign up now!
