Nuno Sousa Guedes is Back! [Episode in Portuguese]
In this moving episode of RugbyMed – The Science of the Game, hosts António Cruz Ferreira and Carlos Braga sit down with one of Portugal’s most accomplished rugby players, Nuno Sousa Guedes. From his rise in the national team to his unforgettable appearance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Nuno opens up about his journey through elite sport, resilience, and recovery.Listeners will hear about the brutal injury he sustained during the World Cup and his courageous decision to stay on the field despite the pain. The conversation follows his road back to competition in the 2024 Rugby Europe Championship—and the mental and physical challenges of facing another setback in the final.As the episode wraps, Nuno reflects on the future: his hopes for the 2027 World Cup in Australia and a potential transition into coaching.Note: This episode is in Portuguese.
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27:44
MythBusters: Rugby Edition
Strap in for a no-nonsense, science-packed takedown of the biggest myths in rugby! 🏉💥In this special MythBusters edition of RugbyMed: The Science of the Game, António and Carlos go head-to-head with five of the most stubborn beliefs in the rugby world. Is rugby more dangerous than American football? Do biceps win games? And what about that sacred post-match beer—is it really helping your recovery?Using real scientific research and a healthy dose of humor, the hosts tackle everything from concussion stats and performance metrics to warm-up routines and tactical myths. Whether you’re a die-hard rugby fan, a curious coach, or just here for the banter, this episode is a must-listen.🔥 Myths Busted:- Rugby is more dangerous than football- Big muscles make the best players- There’s no strategy in rugby- Beer helps you recover- Warm-ups are optional🎵 Expect laughs, facts, and maybe a few shattered egos. Tune in and rethink what you thought you knew about rugby.
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11:46
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.
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.