Health & Safety

Making player welfare a priority.

The safety, well-being, and development of our players remain a priority for us, regardless of the level they are playing at. We are focused on making the academy a safe and supportive environment where players can thrive, develop their skills, and reach their potential with confidence.

Qualified strength and conditioning coaches

Qualified physiotherapist at every session/match

First aid trained team

Dedicated injury management team and rehab programs

CPD objectives for all the team

Education sessions for parents and players

Keeping up to date with guidance and research

In addition to our own organisation’s safety measures, we also follow guidance set by the sport’s regulatory bodies to keep our academy players safer and protect their wellbeing. We trust in the research behind these best practice guidelines and feel confident that they add to each player’s safety on and off the field.

England Rugby Player Welfare

 Both Yorkshire Rugby Academy and our stakeholders have a responsibility to health and safety to ensure that rugby union is delivered in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Player Welfare

Concussion Management and GRAS

As part of the National Pathway, Yorkshire Rugby Academy follows the RFU guidance around concussion and returning to play safely. The RFU’s HEADCASE programme aims to increase understanding and provide information on concussion and other related topics, including how to prevent and manage suspected concussions. It is recognised as one of the UK’s leading concussion awareness and education resources.

All players who enter our pathway will undertake classroom concussion education and also be mandated to undertake the HEADCASE online training.

HEADCASE Training

Medical Insurance – protecting performance and peace of mind.

Rugby is a physical sport, and while we do everything possible to minimise risk, injuries can and do happen. For that reason, we strongly recommend that all players consider private medical insurance.

Why Consider Medical Insurance?

While the NHS provides a good standard of excellent emergency care, private medical insurance brings with it significant benefits:

  • Faster access to specialist consultations and scans (xray, MRIs etc)

  • Reduced waiting times for surgery or rehab

  • More comprehensive injury and physiotherapy cover

  • Access to private facilities and tailored recovery plans

For families of young, ambitious athletes, private insurance provides peace of mind and can help ensure a faster, more supported return to play.

Getting a Quote

We work closely with an experienced sports insurance broker who understands the specific needs of rugby players and families.
If you are interested in exploring your options, please contact:

Simon Lively
📧 simon.lively@mlhs.co.uk

Simon can help guide you through available plans and ensure you find coverage that suits your situation and budget.

FAQ’s

  • No, it is optional. However, it does offer peace of mind that, in any circumstance, you will be covered if you get injured.

  • Any PDG Development player who gets injured during any rugby activity will be offered physio support at our training sessions. Furthermore, should any injury take place in an academy session or game, we will provide a fully comprehensive rehab plan to get players back on pitch as quickly and, as importantly, safely as possible.