N.Z.R.F.U. may study injuries

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33521, 30 April 1974, Page 14

N.Z.R.F.U. may study injuries

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. The New Zealand Rugby Football Union may set up an investigation into Rugby injuries.

The investigation, in con-1 junction with medical authorities, tvould try’ to find ways to prevent injuries, and, when they occurred, how to manage them. A report from the! N.Z.R.F.U.’s sub-committee) touching on this subject was) tabled at the union’s council! meeting in Wellington on) Sunday. The sub-committee chair-1 man, Mr C. A. Blazey, said) that preliminary steps were being taken as a result of suggestions made by Dr J. G. Hawkes, of Auckland. Formerly a prominent field; athlete in Wellington, Dr Hawkes; recently suggested a joint! attack by Rugby authorities and the medical profession. The union has referred Dr Hawkes’ suggestion to Dr W. J. Treadwell, of Wellington, and Mr .Malcolm Hood, of Pukekohe, for further advice. Dr Treadwell is the Wellington) Rugby Union’s doctor and has! taken a leading role in sports! medicine, and Mr Hood. a| physiotherapist, has been involved in N.Z.R.F.U. coaching' schools. "WORTHWHILE" "We believe it is something) well worth while looking at. i Mr Blazey said. “But although we may approve It in principle, we want to know more detail.; We are talking about Rugbyl

generaly, so we want the investigation to be done carefully. "We are interested in finding ways by which Injuries can be prevented or healed more quickly. “Any ways of improving the present situation would be most welcome,” he said.