What really happens when rugby injuries walk through the doors of A&E?

In this powerful episode of the @ForceField Podcast, Joanna Fletcher sits down with Consultant Paediatrician Dr Tina Newton from Birmingham Children's Hospital to connect two worlds that don’t often speak to each other: the emergency department and the rugby pitch.

From broken bones to concussions, Dr Newton shares what she sees day in, day out in A&E… and what it reveals about how we prepare (or don’t prepare) young athletes for contact sport.

But this isn’t just about injury.

It is about something deeper.

👉 Why young players feel invincible—and why that can be dangerous

👉 Why concussion is still misunderstood

👉 Why physical fitness alone isn’t enough

👉 And why the brain—not just the body—needs to be trained for rugby

Together, we explore a shift that is starting to happen in sport from focusing purely on power and performance… to recognising the missing piece: protection.

You will hear real stories, honest reflections, and practical insights on:

• Injury prevention in youth rugby
• Concussion awareness and brain health
• The role of mental readiness and focus
• Why breath and nervous system regulation matter on the pitch
• How coaches, parents, and players can work together to reduce injury risk

This conversation is for:

🏉 Players who want to perform better and stay injury-free

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents who feel quietly anxious about rugby

🏫 Coaches looking to build safer, smarter training environments

💡 Anyone interested in the future of sport and athlete wellbeing

Because rugby isn’t going away.

But how we prepare for it… can and should change.

🎧 Listen now and be part of the shift.