How Much Is Too Much?

[strawclearer]

http://tinyurl.com/y7e9x827

On Talk Rugby Union, an insightful article - his first, I think - by Christian Day (Saints lock now 34). Titled "How much is too much?", he looks at the length of the season and the impact on the physical, emotional and mental well-being of players.

Well worth a read imho...

[ourla]

If you read McCafferty's comments it reeks of bull.

And he doesn't seem to get that the primary issue is not that the players are rested for games it's that they need a long break between seasons, or two or three proper breaks during the season.

[TigerCam]

While the game today continues to be 'money' driven, the expectation of players to deliver will remain whatever the requirement. Billy V makes a very valid point in the RP. IMO I would stop the Prem season during the Autumn Int and 6Ns, running the Anglo Cup and A league game for junior and academy players. Maybe supporters would benefit more from seeing their young proteges play on a Saturday, at a reduced turnstile fee, followed by the Internationals to make a complete day? The number of HIAs at the weekend is surely enough of a sign that players break and sometimes to a point of no return?

[Lutontiger]

I agree. Have just read an article in The Guardian by Paul Rees on much the same lines [sorry don't know how to include access to it in this post!]
I for one, wouldn't be able to look our retired players in the eye if they are clearly suffering from long-term health concerns due to on-field damage because we as supporters didn't defend their right to good recovery time between seasons.

[jgriffin]

http://tinyurl.com/y9oynzpb
Paul Rees article

[Roly]

If you read McCafferty's comments it reeks of bull.

And he doesn't seem to get that the primary issue is not that the players are rested for games it's that they need a long break between seasons, or two or three proper breaks during the season.

The problem is that each player is different, up until the end of last season Jamie Heaslip seemed indestructible and could play weekly without a problem then you have someone like Tuilagi who is made of cheese.

Applying a blanket approach might not address the core issues, clubs and unions apparently track many variables during training and games. Surely some of those indicate fatigue etc? Why aren't they used to assess a players readiness to play or need to be rested?

[dpoc74]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41366795

Billy Vunipola talking about much the same thing.

[Noddy555]

Most Medical opinion wants to restrict the most number of games that a player participates in a season to a max of 25 (Lancet Feb 17) others want it to be 20. If their is strong medical evidence to back up their opinion then this must be treated seriously by the games' authorities.