Helping Newcastle’s rugby players recover, stay strong, and handle the hits

At Up N Adam Performance Training & Physiotherapy, we support rugby league and rugby union players from schoolboys and girls through to senior club and representative athletes. Rugby is one of the most demanding collision sports — combining sprints, tackles, scrums, and heavy contact. These demands often lead to injury, but with the right physio care, players can recover stronger and build resilience for the season ahead.

Common Rugby Injuries We Treat​

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• Shoulder dislocations and instability

• Concussions and head knocks

• Hamstring and quadriceps strains

• Knee ligament injuries (ACL, MCL)

• Ankle sprains and syndesmosis injuries

• Neck pain and stingers

Why Rugby Injuries Happen
 

Rugby combines sprinting, cutting, and heavy physical collisions.
 

• Shoulder injuries are common in tackles and scrums.

• Hamstring and quad strains result from repeated sprint efforts.

• Knee injuries often occur in contact or sudden direction changes.

• Ankle sprains happen in tackles or when landing awkwardly.

• Head and neck injuries remain a significant risk due to impacts in contact.

How We Assess Rugby Players
 

We assess not only the injured area, but the player’s capacity to withstand collision demands.
 

• ForceDecks: jump testing, landing control, lower-limb power.

• NordBord: hamstring strength for sprinting performance.

• VALD dynamometer: shoulder, hip, and neck strength testing.

• Contact-readiness screens: functional drills simulating tackling and scrummaging.

Treatment & Rehab for Rugby Injuries
 

Our rugby rehab programs prepare players for safe return to full contact.
 

• Manual therapy to restore shoulder, neck, and lower-limb mobility.

• Progressive strength rehab for upper body (shoulders, neck, trunk) and lower limbs.

• Return-to-contact drills including tackling progressions and scrummaging practice.

• Conditioning sessions to maintain fitness during rehab.

Preventing Future Injuries & Building Performance
 

We help athletes build resilience for the demands of rugby.
 

• Neck strengthening to protect against scrummaging and contact injuries.

• Shoulder stability programs for tackling robustness.

• Power and speed training to reduce risk of soft-tissue strains.

• Regular VALD testing to monitor progress and reduce reinjury risk.

Supporting Newcastle’s Rugby Community

From junior rugby league and union schools to local senior clubs and Hunter rep teams, we’re proud to support Newcastle’s rugby athletes through every stage of their careers.

Ready to Get Back in the Game?

Don’t let injury cut your season short.
Book your rugby physio session today!

Click here to read about AFL injuries, or return to all sports here.