Jacob Elordi's Rugby Injury and Youth Sports Safety
Actor Jacob Elordi, 28, recently discussed a rugby injury sustained during high school at St Joseph’s Nudgee College in Brisbane. During a roundtable interview, Elordi stated that he broke his back at age 16 while playing rugby. He attributed the injury to lifting heavy weights improperly and too early, which he believes led to bone fractures in his back. A subsequent tackle during a game resulted in a complete bone break, ending his rugby career.
Youth Rugby Injury Statistics
Injuries among young rugby players are a documented occurrence. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data for 2023–24 indicates approximately 250,000 Australians aged 15 and over participated in rugby. During this period, an estimated 4,600 hospitalizations related to rugby injuries occurred, with players aged 15-19 being the most affected demographic. Common injury sites included the hip and lower limb, head and neck, and shoulder and upper limb. Overexertion accounted for approximately 335 cases.
Properly managed strength training, integrated into a comprehensive program, has been shown to potentially reduce injury risk and may improve adolescent bone health.
Expert Perspective on Athlete Development
Former rugby union player and sports scientist James Ambrosini established the High Performance SASS Academy to support young athletes. Ambrosini, who also played rugby in Brisbane during his youth, experienced multiple injuries throughout his career, including a broken ankle at age 15, four hand breaks, a ruptured testicle, and a dislocated shoulder between ages 17 and 20. He attributes some of these to physical and mental immaturity, as well as a lack of adequate support and guidance on training and body care.
Ambrosini's academy focuses on structured training, emphasizing proper technique before incorporating heavy weights for young athletes. He advises building a stable base through core and unilateral strength, mobility, and flexibility for four to eight weeks prior to progressing to muscle mass development. Ambrosini notes that young athletes often exhibit impatience and may mimic training observed on social media, despite their bodies still undergoing physiological and hormonal development. He advocates for a patient approach to training to mitigate injury risk.