Rugby Legends Team Up For Safe Rugby

14 Jun 2015 | sigadmin

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Some of the biggest names in rugby have come together to promote rugby safety, with England Rugby World Cup winning coach, Sir Clive Woodward; Australia’s Michael Lynagh, and New Zealand duo Sean Fitzpatrick and Sir Graham Henry named as the latest global ambassadors joining AIG for 2015.

AIG’s Rugby Safety Awards, shortlisted for a BT Sport Industry Award in 2015, encourages players and fans at all levels to share rugby safety tips via social media, to champion the importance of preparation to reduce the risk of injury and increase safety during game play.

The official insurance partner of the New Zealand rugby team, AIG is highlighting the importance of safe practice to help ensure safer rugby globally.

AIG also backs USA Rugby and its youth programmes, such as Rookie Rugby.

Speaking about the AIG Rugby Safety Awards Sean Fitzpatrick said: “Technique plays a big part in the discussion around injury prevention. Proper tackle preparation will improve player understanding and help players approach the game with the correct temperament. AIG’s focus on preparation can greatly decrease preventable injury.”

On the importance of safety in rugby, Sir Clive Woodward added: “The way the game develops with players and coaches looking for fresh advantages new issues will always inevitably arise. That’s why we need to constantly assess and discuss safety in the game and respond where necessary.”

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility. World Rugby, the Unions, coaches, referees, players, and parents all have an obvious role. For major partners like AIG to promote awareness of the issue illustrates their belief in, and support for, the game. As a sport, we should lead on safety and make ground breaking strides that other sports aren’t. To do that it takes everyone involved in the game to drive it.”

The winner of the AIG Rugby Safety Awards will travel to London this September to meet players from the current All Blacks team and see the team in action. The public have until Friday 26th June to enter.