Why do rugby players have 'cauliflower' ears?

Question

Silly question I know, but I'm curious.

Thank you

Answer 1

i think its from all the knocks on the head...it pushes their tiny little brains into their ears for protection.

Answer 2

i think it's mainly the props that have the 'cauliflower' ears. When things such as scrums are taking place they get bashed around a bit and their ears kind of mold into that shape because the cartilage gets damaged. nice!

Answer 3

Too many hits to the head results in the cartilage of the ear being moved around, I think.

Answer 4

its due to the constant friction of rubbing their ears when they are in rucks and mauls and scrums

Answer 5

hmm.. maybe they are cauliflower crazy???

Answer 6

I think it's to do with when they're in the scrum as their heads are wedged between other's heads, therefore, like if you get your head stuck between railings and try to pull yourself out, your ears always get in the way and can get damaged, so in coming out of the scrum the same kinda thing would apply.

At least that's my understanding of it, although I'm sure a rugby player will be able to to give a better explanation.

Answer 7

mainly second rows/ locks and props have "cauliflower" ears because while they are in scrums, their ears are smushed and moved around with tons of pressure on the cartilage in the ear.  it make as blood clot between layers of tissue in the ear and and soemtimes cuts off the blood supply to the cartilage and kills it.  its a build of of blood and fluid and is cured by draining the ear and applying pressure- damage can be permamnet if its not taken care of.  its prevented by taping the ears to the head (thats why you see some with headband looking tape) or by wearing scrum caps.

Answer 8

They get alot of knee and elbow shots that damage the cartilage.