Several elements must be considered before allowing the injured player to return to competition. In rugby the rules specify that no firm or inflexible device can be worn for fear of injuring other players. This makes the medical personnel's job to protect the injured hand that more difficult. Fractures Fractures of the fingers are among the most common sports-related hand injury. In rugby all players handle the ball.
Further injuries can also occur when a players hand is stomped on during loose play.
These injuries can be prevented by requiring players to grip all the opposition fingers prior to ripping the hand off the ball. The referee should watch rucks and mauls closely and penalize any party that does not comply. Fractures of the distal tip of the finger commonly occur when the hand is trodden on by a boot. These injuries can be treated with an aluminum splint without much disability if they do not involve the joint. Fractures of the middle and proximal part of the finger are more difficult to treat.