Longford RFC Profile Series

By Tommy Butler Longford RFC PRO in conversation with Ronie Rutherford.

Name: Ronie Rutherford (Masterson).

Hometown: Lanesboro, Co. Longford.

Role: Longford Rugby Clubs Senior Men’s Physio.

Qualifications: Physical Therapist, Manipulation Therapist (using Osteopathic techniques).

How did you get into Physical Therapy?

I was running for Tullamore Harriers and getting a lot of injuries.  I then got a long-term injury.  One of my friends suggested that I should do a course to see if I could help prevent/treat my injuries.  This sowed the seed and led me down the path to studying Physical Therapy at the National College of Rehabilitation.

Do you remember your first match with Longford RFC?  

It was a real baptism of fire where Longford played Edenderry away in the Midland League.  I really did not know what to expect as before this I had only done Gaelic Football matches.  To make it even tougher Edenderry did not have any Physio on duty, so I had to cover both teams.  Within the first few minutes there was a broken tibia and a concussion.  After this I knew I could handle it and have been working with the Longford Senior Rugby Teams since!

What do you do for the Senior Men’s Squad?

I am at pitch side during matches where I manage any on field injuries and twinges.  Before the match I treat any players with twinges and get them loosened out and ready to play.  I also provide strapping to any players that need it.  After matches I treat and manage any injuries and let the management team know the players condition.  Tuesday nights are set aside to treat players in my clinic, it is normally a very busy night.  I am also the squads unofficial Agony Aunt!

What is the most common injury you see?

One of the things I really like about rugby is that the team is made up of players of a lot of different sizes and builds.  These means that the injuries that you treat are very varied.  Obviously being a contact sport there are a good few soft tissue injuries but you never know what is likely to come through the door!

Do you treat people outside rugby?

I certainly do.  I am based in the rugby club but also see people outside the club.  I am open Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings depending on demand.  I cover a lot of different areas including; Sports Massage, Injury Prognosis, Rehabilitation, Kinesiology, Taping & Strapping, Soft Issue Treatment, Acupuncture-Dry Needling, Pregnancy Massage, Manipulation and Game cover.  Patients can book appointments by ringing/texting me on 0872402326 or look up ‘Longford Remedial & Sports Injury Clinic’ on Facebook.

Do you do any sport outside rugby?

I do a lot of sport outside rugby.  I have done lots of endurance events and triathlon’s and am currently training for the National Adventure Racing Series and hope to do a lot of races this Summer.

Pet Peeves

Players not telling me about injuries or not listening to my advice.