Return to Play
Return to play readiness
Returning to contact sport
This is general information about the return to play protocol followed by
New Zealand Rugby players.
If you wish to print a PDF of the graduated return to play and learn a link can be found at the end of this page.
Rest and GRTP:
- The player rests
- The player undergoes a Graduated Return to Play
Rest, Recovery, Return to Play
1
No physical activity or cognitive tasks. Avoid screens.
SEE DOCTOR
DAY 1-2
DAY 1-2
2
(INCREASE HEART RATE)
Symptom guided light to moderate physical activity:
Walking, jogging and stationary cycling
3
(MAX HEART RATE)
Activities such as running lines, sprinting.
Goal:achieve maximum heart rate with no symptoms
4
(MAX HEART RATE WITH THINKING TASK INVOLVED)
Non-contact activities – passing, running plays, doing drills
Goal to achieve max heart rate but also to get the brain
working
5
(RESTORE CONFIDENCE & BACK TO NORMAL TRAINING)
Normal training activities, including full contact.
Goal to complete full training with no return of symptoms
6
return to play
[Graduated Return to Learn and Player with Stand-downs.pdf]
[ GRTP Time Frame Guidance.pdf]
[ Concussion Diagnosis Medical Note School 2022.pdf]
[ Concussion Diagnosis Medical Note Work 2022.pdf]
If they have done both of these then they may be able to be cleared to move onto Contact Training as part of their Medical Clearance.
