Rugby chiefs tackle injury crisis

Key figures in rugby admit law changes may be needed to save players from further punishment.

Martyn Thomas, the Rugby Football Union's chairman, will canvas for change at next Tuesday's International Rugby Board council meeting, although the injury carnage is just one key area that will be addressed as the game tries to solve global problems in the build-up to the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

England flanker Joe Worsley became the latest casualty when he went down with a medial ligament injury in the first minute of England's 19-6 defeat by the All Blacks. He became the 14th member of the 32-strong Elite Player Squad to be seriously damaged in the first half of the season. The scan on his injured leg will be assessed by an expert today.

London Irish director of rugby Toby Booth feels something has to be done soon to address the situation. He said: "There is considerable chaos and a massive increase in the number of injuries and I have never felt this frustrated."