RUGBY ATTIRE QUESTION!! please help!?

Question

I began playing rugby last year and at the end of our amazing season I tore my acl and 2 parts of my meniscus. I had the re constructive surgery done about 4 months ago, but it was all done through a scope so the recovery has been faster than expected. I'm slowly making my way back on the pitch but need a good knee brace that i can PLAY in. I know rugby restrictions are really tight when it comes to protective equipment so if anyone has any suggestions that would be great!!

I found this brace

http://www.footlocker.com/catalog/productdetail.cfm?model_nbr=68554&sku=1541180&SID=8732&inceptor=1&cm_mmc=SEO-_-Feeds-_-Froogle-_-null

on most rugby websites, but I'm not sure of the rules regarding plastic or metal in the brace.

Again, any help is welcome and if you know of a good brace that I would be able to PLAY in, let me know!!

Thanks!

-an eager to play rugger :)

Answer 1

If you have a copy of the laws this comes under Law #4 of the game.

Basically any supplemental protective/supportive gear must be:

- made of elasticated and compressible material

- Washable

- IRB approved (look for the IRB tag)

Support gear cannot be:

- Contaminated with blood

- Sharp or abrasive

- Contain; buckles, clips, rings, hinges, zippers, screws, bolts, rigid material or projections, not otherwise permitted under the law

I'd say that unless that brace has an IRB label in it, under the laws of the game, it is illegal (due to the fact that it is a rigid brace containing steel).

Refs will check any knee braces that are not made solely of thin flexible material. However w/ an ACL injury of that extent those types of support may not help to the degree that you need.

Your best bet would be to have a ref actually look at the brace, or get an IRB verdict on it. Outside of actually knowing what it feels like and how stiff it is, that the best advice i've got.

Hope you find something that helps and get back on the pitch soon!

Answer 2

when playing i have always had trouble with my knees while in the scrum and sorts.  what i have found is one of the best braces is when the knee is tightly taped with many braces and locks.  it takes a while to get right and a good amount of tape/prewrap...but it provides a good sturdy brace for me

Answer 3

Im the same, i tore my acl playing sevens before the season started and had to sit it out. I was told by many rugby referees that they would only allow a soft brace on the field and nothing with metal or plastic in it. Ask your referees association on their rules but i think it applies everywhere

Answer 4

I've done the same thing a few years ago.

I wouldn't wear a brace at all.

If you need a hardcore brace, you're not ready to be back playing. They are fine to get you back on the pitch a bit quicker. But that's all it should be.

Work hard on strengthening your lower quads and flexibility of your knee.

Hope it's OK

Answer 5

I would not wear a brace at all.  Plus, in your condition i would wait till the next season.  Because, if I saw someone with a brace on his knee....  I would be targeting that when you ran the ball and you got tackled.  Expecially when i play scrummy and its there in the open.  Stomps away....

Answer 6

Mmm. . . Mr Lambspew has definitely outlined the legality of returning to the game with the appropriate kit.

I would caution you to take a step back and temper your motivation to return to rugby with considering options for a full confident recovery before jumping into any brace.

An anterior cruciate ligament tear should not be taken lightly.

Rugby is a funny old game. Even the best brace in the world may not ensure that playing rugby four months out from surgery is the best course of action.

Question you need to be asking is: Am I an eager to play rugger or an eager to fully recover ?

Rugby is not going to stop being played, make sure you're not stopped playing the game . . . chill, and consider returning to rugby with out the need for a brace.

Edit: Ard as nails is onto it. Full recovery means no brace needed.