World Rugby Return to Rugby Postpartum Guidelines

A six-phased evidence-informed, return to rugby postpartum guideline has been presented that uses a whole-systems, biopsychosocial approach. The progressions and examples provided are not meant to be prescriptive but provide a template that should be tailored to individual needs. A checklist has been created for clinicians to use as they support players to return to rugby postpartum as well as a medical assessment form. Rugby clubs should view the postpartum period as an opportunity to optimise a player’s technical and physical abilities, whilst considering their mental health. Support staff should be cognizant of the fact that motherhood can be a daunting time that is constantly changing. Therefore, a player’s phased return to rugby needs to be adaptable, placing the mother and child at its centre, which includes applying neurodivergent considerations throughout the six-phased return-to-rugby for neurodivergent players.

Both Elite (professional) and Community (recreational) level guidelines are provided under the same DOI and can be accessed here.