Join António Cruz Ferreira and Carlos Braga, rugby enthusiasts and sports medicine advocates, on RugbyMed: Science of the Game. We explore the unique challenges...
RugbyMed & Placagem: United for Rugby (Episode in Portuguese)
In a special and unprecedented episode, the RugbyMed and Placagem podcasts join forces to promote rugby in Portugal and across the Portuguese-speaking world!
In this engaging conversation—entirely in Portuguese—António Cruz Ferreira and Carlos Braga (RugbyMed) team up with Cláudio Fonseca (Placagem) to discuss the sport’s growth, the challenges faced by players, the importance of physical preparation and sports medicine in high-performance rugby, and the opportunities the game provides both on and off the field.With special guests and inspiring stories, this episode is a true celebration of rugby’s spirit—a sport of passion, sacrifice, and camaraderie. Don’t miss this unique collaboration—be part of the journey to elevate rugby in the Portuguese-speaking world!
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31:34
João Costa: when the whistle meets the science
In this episode of the RugbyMed, hosts António Cruz Ferreira and Carlos Braga welcome João Costa, a former rugby player, referee, and now physiotherapist, to explore the intersection of rugby, refereeing, and player welfare.João shares insights from his unique journey through the sport—from playing on the field to officiating the game and now working behind the scenes to ensure athlete well-being.The conversation delves into the challenges of career transitions within rugby, the evolving role of referees in player safety, and the impact of sports science in injury prevention and rehabilitation.Join us for a compelling discussion on how the whistle and medical expertise come together to shape the future of rugby.
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28:44
Paulo Duarte: They Boo the Ref, Not the Man
Hosted by Carlos Braga and António Ferreira, this episode of RugbyMed takes you into the heart of the game through the eyes of one of the world’s top referees—Paulo Duarte. From the pressure of making split-second decisions to the mental resilience needed to handle the roar of the crowd, Paulo shares his journey from a young referee in Portugal to officiating on the biggest stages, including the Olympic Games and Rugby Europe competitions.But it’s not just about the whistle. We dive deep into player welfare, exploring how referees play a crucial role in keeping the game safe while maintaining its intensity. How does the modern game balance physicality with safety? What challenges do referees face in upholding laws that continue to evolve?Join us as we break down the myths of refereeing, discuss the future of rugby officiating, and uncover the human side of the man in the middle. Because in rugby, the referee is more than just the person making the calls—they’re guardians of the game.🎧 Tune in to RugbyMed for an unfiltered conversation on the past, present, and future of refereeing with Paulo Duarte.
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41:14
Beyond the Game: Onrise, MLR, and the Future of Player Welfare
In this compelling episode of RugbyMed, hosts António Cruz Ferreira and Carlos Braga sit down with Dr. Kim Quigley, CEO of Onrise, and Will Hooley, Technical Director and Broadcaster at Major League Rugby, to explore the critical intersection of mental health and player welfare in North America’s premier rugby league.With Will’s experience both on and off the field—including his podcast The Next Game: A Story of Transition—and Dr. Quigley’s expertise in mental health, this discussion uncovers the evolving landscape of athlete support. From MLR’s groundbreaking partnership with Onrise to the broader movement of prioritizing mental fitness in professional sports, the episode highlights the challenges players face, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the proactive steps being taken to create a culture of holistic well-being in rugby.Whether you’re a player, coach, fan, or someone passionate about mental health in sports, this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in as we go Beyond the Game to explore how MLR and Onrise are shaping the future of athlete welfare.
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35:03
Injury Prevention Insights: "A paradigm shift in hamstring injury prevention"
In this episode of RugbyMed: The Science of the Game, hosts Carlos Braga and António Cruz Ferreira explore key aspects of injury prevention in Rugby Union, focusing on the latest research and practical applications.They begin by analyzing a systematic review on hamstring injuries, discussing their prevalence, risk factors, and the effectiveness of Nordic hamstring exercises in reducing injury recurrence. They then shift to the role of coach education, exploring what youth rugby coaches need to successfully implement injury prevention programs. Finally, they review the Activate injury prevention program, an evidence-based warm-up routine designed to reduce injuries while enhancing player performance.This episode delivers valuable insights for players, coaches, and medical professionals striving to make rugby safer and more effective.Tune in for evidence-based strategies that can transform training and injury prevention in Rugby Union!Link to What do coaches want? Exploring the preferences of youth rugby union coaches for education in the implementation of injury prevention programmes: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1466853X24001299?via%3DihubLink to Hamstrings injury incidence, risk factors, and prevention in Rugby Union players: a systematic review https://doi.org/10.1080/00913847.2021.1992601Link to ACTIVATE programme:https://passport.world.rugby/injury-prevention-and-risk-management/activate-programme/
Join António Cruz Ferreira and Carlos Braga, rugby enthusiasts and sports medicine advocates, on RugbyMed: Science of the Game. We explore the unique challenges faced by tier 2 rugby teams, discussing injury prevention, fitness, and recovery strategies tailored to the sport. From players to coaches and healthcare professionals, we bring practical insights to keep athletes at their best. Tune in for expert advice, real-life stories, and the latest research to support the growth of rugby worldwide.
Portugal