Activate is an evidence-based tool with the potential to reduce injuries in youth and adult rugby, particularly soft tissue injuries and concussion.
This is the Spanish-language Activate manual, a structured and progressive exercise program designed to be used within training sessions and pre-match warm-ups. Activate was developed using scientific evidence and expert opinion, with feedback from active coaches to make it suitable for community rugby settings; the acknowledgements credit researchers from the University of Bath and the Rugby Football Union, among others.
The manual explains that there are four versions of Activate (Under 15, Under 16, Under 18 and Adults), each with progressive phases used across the season, and that all versions share the same types of training activities: balance and jumping exercises, bodyweight and partner resistance work, plyometric exercises, and landing and sidestep work. It states that research has shown the program can reduce muscle and ligament injuries by 26–40% and concussions by 29–60% in youth and adult community rugby players, and it points coaches to free online reference cards and demonstration videos on the World Rugby player welfare page. The sample pages show the Adult Phase 1 session, divided into Part C (bodyweight and partner resistance) and Part D (landings, changes of direction and plyometrics), with sets, repetitions and Activate coaching keys for each drill. This manual is written in Spanish.
| Program versions | Four versions: Under 15 (age 13–15), Under 16 (age 15–16), Under 18 (age 16–18), Adults (age 18+) |
|---|---|
| Reported reduction in muscle and ligament injuries | 26–40% |
| Reported reduction in concussions | 29–60% |
| Adult Phase 1 session structure | Part C 7 minutes, Part D 4 minutes |
| Repeated sprint drill track | 25-metre track marked with cones every 5 metres |
| Drill intensity shown in the adult session | 50% |
Activate is a structured, progressive exercise program designed to be used as part of training sessions and pre-match warm-up routines.
There are four: Under 15, Under 16, Under 18 and Adults.
The manual states research has shown a 26–40% reduction in muscle and ligament injuries and a 29–60% reduction in concussions in youth and adult community rugby players.
They are available free online through the World Rugby player welfare page.