RugbyMed: Science of the Game

By RugbyMed

Join António Cruz Ferreira and Carlos Braga, rugby enthusiasts and sports medicine advocates, on RugbyMed: Science of the Game. We explore the unique challenges faced by tier 2 rugby teams, discussing... more

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FAQs about RugbyMed: Science of the Game:

How many episodes does RugbyMed: Science of the Game have?

The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.

RugbyMed: Science of the Game episodes:

June 09, 2025 Breaking Boundaries: Maria Heitor's Journey from Injury to the Rugby World Cup [episode in Portuguese]
In this episode of RugbyMed, hosts António Cruz Ferreira and Carlos Braga welcome international rugby referee Maria Heitor. As she prepares to make history as the first Portuguese referee at a Rugby World Cup in 2025, Maria shares insights into her journey from grassroots rugby to the global stage. She opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of recovering from a serious injury, the mental resilience needed to officiate at the highest level, and her hopes for inspiring more women in rugby. A powerful conversation where sport, health, and ambition meet.
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18min
May 26, 2025 Alexandre Fernandes - From the Pitch to the Sidelines in Football and Rugby [episode in Portuguese]
In this episode, hosts António Cruz Ferreira and Carlos Braga welcome Dr. Alexandre Fernandes, a specialist in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine with a postgraduate degree in Sports Medicine. Dr. Fernandes shares insights from his career spanning football and rugby, including work with Casa Pia AC, the renowned Aspetar clinic in Qatar, and the Portuguese Rugby Federation.He reflects on his professional journey, including pivotal experiences at Aspetar and his role with the Portuguese national rugby team during their 2022 Rugby Europe Championship campaign, which paved the way to the 2023 World Cup. Notably, he stepped in as official team doctor during a crucial game against the Netherlands.The conversation also explores the differences in injuries and clinical management between football and rugby, and the varying attitudes of coaching staff and management in each sport.The episode concludes with a rapid-fire Q&A covering topics like the most common injury he treats, his most memorable career moment, standout athletes, his sport of preference, dream team to work with, and what drives his passion for sports medicine.
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21min
May 12, 2025 Rising Star - Manuel Vareiro’s Journey Through Sevens, XV, and the Road to the World Cup [episode in Portuguese]
In this episode of RugbyMed, hosts António Cruz Ferreira and Carlos Braga sit down with 20-year-old Portuguese rugby sensation Manuel Vareiro. A rising star who has already left his mark on the Sevens World Circuit and debuted with the national XV side, Vareiro shares his journey from youth rugby to the international stage. The conversation explores his early influences, debut at the Sevens World Cup at just 17, his recent experience in Los Angeles, and the emotional highs and lows of top-level competition. They discuss his first XV cap against Namibia, the challenges of not playing in South Africa, and Portugal's qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Vareiro also opens up about his professional aspirations, the importance of player welfare, and what drives him every day. A fast-paced Q&A wraps up this inspiring episode.
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26min
April 28, 2025 The Dark Side of the Game: Mental Health in Rugby
In this deeply personal and powerful episode of RugbyMed: The Science of the Game, António and Carlos tackle one of the toughest topics in sport—mental health and suicide in rugby.Rugby is often seen as a game of grit, toughness, and unbreakable camaraderie. But beneath the surface, many players are struggling with pressures that no one talks about. From elite professionals to weekend warriors, the mental toll of injury, retirement, cultural stigma, and concussions can become overwhelming.💔 Inside the episode:The tragic stories of players like Dan Vickerman and Terry NewtonHow concussions and injuries are silently linked to depression and suicidal thoughtsThe toxic “tough it out” culture in rugby locker roomsGroundbreaking studies that show the scope of the problemReal-life voices of players who’ve battled through the darknessActionable solutions: from World Rugby's mental wellbeing hub to club-level change🎧 This isn’t your typical RugbyMed episode. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s a conversation the rugby world needs to have.
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12min
April 14, 2025 Nuno Sousa Guedes is Back! [Episode in Portuguese]
In this moving episode of RugbyMed – The Science of the Game, hosts António Cruz Ferreira and Carlos Braga sit down with one of Portugal’s most accomplished rugby players, Nuno Sousa Guedes. From his rise in the national team to his unforgettable appearance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Nuno opens up about his journey through elite sport, resilience, and recovery.Listeners will hear about the brutal injury he sustained during the World Cup and his courageous decision to stay on the field despite the pain. The conversation follows his road back to competition in the 2024 Rugby Europe Championship—and the mental and physical challenges of facing another setback in the final.As the episode wraps, Nuno reflects on the future: his hopes for the 2027 World Cup in Australia and a potential transition into coaching.Note: This episode is in Portuguese.
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28min
April 07, 2025 MythBusters: Rugby Edition
Strap in for a no-nonsense, science-packed takedown of the biggest myths in rugby! 🏉💥In this special MythBusters edition of RugbyMed: The Science of the Game, António and Carlos go head-to-head with five of the most stubborn beliefs in the rugby world. Is rugby more dangerous than American football? Do biceps win games? And what about that sacred post-match beer—is it really helping your recovery?Using real scientific research and a healthy dose of humor, the hosts tackle everything from concussion stats and performance metrics to warm-up routines and tactical myths. Whether you’re a die-hard rugby fan, a curious coach, or just here for the banter, this episode is a must-listen.🔥 Myths Busted:- Rugby is more dangerous than football- Big muscles make the best players- There’s no strategy in rugby- Beer helps you recover- Warm-ups are optional🎵 Expect laughs, facts, and maybe a few shattered egos. Tune in and rethink what you thought you knew about rugby.
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12min
March 17, 2025 RugbyMed & Placagem: United for Rugby (Episode in Portuguese)
In a special and unprecedented episode, the RugbyMed and Placagem podcasts join forces to promote rugby in Portugal and across the Portuguese-speaking world!
In this engaging conversation—entirely in Portuguese—António Cruz Ferreira and Carlos Braga (RugbyMed) team up with Cláudio Fonseca (Placagem) to discuss the sport’s growth, the challenges faced by players, the importance of physical preparation and sports medicine in high-performance rugby, and the opportunities the game provides both on and off the field.With special guests and inspiring stories, this episode is a true celebration of rugby’s spirit—a sport of passion, sacrifice, and camaraderie. Don’t miss this unique collaboration—be part of the journey to elevate rugby in the Portuguese-speaking world!
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32min
March 10, 2025 João Costa: when the whistle meets the science
In this episode of the RugbyMed, hosts António Cruz Ferreira and Carlos Braga welcome João Costa, a former rugby player, referee, and now physiotherapist, to explore the intersection of rugby, refereeing, and player welfare.João shares insights from his unique journey through the sport—from playing on the field to officiating the game and now working behind the scenes to ensure athlete well-being.
The conversation delves into the challenges of career transitions within rugby, the evolving role of referees in player safety, and the impact of sports science in injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Join us for a compelling discussion on how the whistle and medical expertise come together to shape the future of rugby.
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29min
March 03, 2025 Paulo Duarte: They Boo the Ref, Not the Man
Hosted by Carlos Braga and António Ferreira, this episode of RugbyMed takes you into the heart of the game through the eyes of one of the world’s top referees—Paulo Duarte. From the pressure of making split-second decisions to the mental resilience needed to handle the roar of the crowd, Paulo shares his journey from a young referee in Portugal to officiating on the biggest stages, including the Olympic Games and Rugby Europe competitions.But it’s not just about the whistle. We dive deep into player welfare, exploring how referees play a crucial role in keeping the game safe while maintaining its intensity. How does the modern game balance physicality with safety? What challenges do referees face in upholding laws that continue to evolve?Join us as we break down the myths of refereeing, discuss the future of rugby officiating, and uncover the human side of the man in the middle. Because in rugby, the referee is more than just the person making the calls—they’re guardians of the game.🎧 Tune in to RugbyMed for an unfiltered conversation on the past, present, and future of refereeing with Paulo Duarte.
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42min
February 24, 2025 Beyond the Game: Onrise, MLR, and the Future of Player Welfare
In this compelling episode of RugbyMed, hosts António Cruz Ferreira and Carlos Braga sit down with Dr. Kim Quigley, CEO of Onrise, and Will Hooley, Technical Director and Broadcaster at Major League Rugby, to explore the critical intersection of mental health and player welfare in North America’s premier rugby league.With Will’s experience both on and off the field—including his podcast The Next Game: A Story of Transition—and Dr. Quigley’s expertise in mental health, this discussion uncovers the evolving landscape of athlete support. From MLR’s groundbreaking partnership with Onrise to the broader movement of prioritizing mental fitness in professional sports, the episode highlights the challenges players face, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the proactive steps being taken to create a culture of holistic well-being in rugby.Whether you’re a player, coach, fan, or someone passionate about mental health in sports, this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in as we go Beyond the Game to explore how MLR and Onrise are shaping the future of athlete welfare.
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36min

FAQs about RugbyMed: Science of the Game:

How many episodes does RugbyMed: Science of the Game have?

The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.