Reporting a Serious Injury

Serious injuries are those that have the potential to result in any type of permanent disablement to players.

It is the responsibility of the team coach, manager, or designated ‘Injury Officer’ to ensure that any serious injuries are reported. If you are unsure whether the responsibility for completing the report lies with you or your team, then report it yourself. 

Please remember that the injury forms you complete and return help New Zealand Rugby plan strategies that will reduce the impact injuries have on your team. They also enable proper management of injuries, to ensure that seriously injured players are looked after as effectively as possible.

Serious Injury Notification Form

These injuries must be reported:

1. A head or spinal injury, or medical event (e.g. a heart attack) that results in the player being admitted to hospital
2. An injury or medical event (e.g. a heart attack) that results in the death of a player during match play or rugby training
3. An injury that is expected to result in some permanent disability (e.g. loss of use of a limb, loss of an eye)

New Zealand Rugby Foundation

The New Zealand Rugby Foundation (NZRF) has for over 30 years provided support to NZ Rugby Players (and their families) who suffer serious total and permanent injuries playing our national game. It provides comfort to all players that if the unimaginable happens, there is support and partnership for life.

The focus of the New Zealand Rugby Foundation is:

• Care - Improve the quality of life for our VIP (Very Injured Players).
• Advocacy – Champion safety in our game.
• Sustain our Foundation through world class stewardship.

Learn more about what else the NZRF work on