Hello Hillfoots 

The SRU  recommends players to consider immunisation

Scottish rugby takes the health and welfare of all participants in the game as a matter of the utmost importance.

Following a recent extensive review of literature and best practice, we are now recommending that people playing rugby should be immunised against Hepatitis B.

Director of Medical Services, Dr James Robson, said: “Hepatitis B is one of a number of blood-borne viruses which may be transmitted when an open wound is exposed to another open wound.

“Rugby is one of those contact sports where cuts and, hence, bleeding is not unusual.  Players should endeavour to protect themselves by a number of straight-forward measures, for example, cleaning wounds and covering wounds but in order to afford themselves an additional measure of safety and minimise a very, very small risk, pop along to their local surgery and ask to be immunised against Hepatitis B.

“This may be a double benefit as a Hepatitis B jag is often recommended for foreign travel.

“The Hepatitis B immunisation is not routinely available through the NHS but we do recommend players take this best practice on board.”