It’s not every day that a high school rugby game, played over a decade ago at Brisbane’s St Joseph’s Nudgee College, captures the attention of Hollywood stars like Dwayne Johnson and Adam Sandler. Yet, this story, narrated by actor Jacob Elordi, has done just that. In a recent roundtable interview for The Hollywood Reporter, which has been viewed over five million times, Elordi recounted the pivotal moment he broke his back playing rugby, a moment that inadvertently set him on the path to stardom.
“The schools that I went to, and the environment that I was in, [was] sort of sports heavy, rugby oriented, you’re not really a person unless you play sport,” Elordi, now 28, explained. The actor, known for his roles in “Euphoria” and “The Kissing Booth,” shared how a routine tackle during a game led to a career-ending injury, but the real damage was done off the field. He attributed his injury to lifting heavy weights “too early” and “squatting wrong,” which started fracturing the bones in his back. The pressure of his expanding body culminated in a fracture during a game, marking the end of his rugby aspirations.
The Prevalence of Rugby Injuries
Injuries are not uncommon among young rugby league and union players. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, nearly a quarter of a million Australians aged 15 and over played rugby in 2023–24. Of these, an estimated 4,600 hospitalisations occurred, with players aged 15-19 being the most affected. The most injured body parts were the hip and lower limb, head and neck, and shoulder and upper limb, while overexertion accounted for about 335 cases.
“Of an estimated 4,600 hospitalisations, players aged 15-19 were most likely to be hurt.”
While strength training was Elordi’s undoing, when managed correctly, it can reduce the risk of injury and even improve the bone health of adolescents. However, the line between developing a strong athlete and risking injury is thin.
Expert Insights on Training and Injury Prevention
Former rugby union player and sports scientist James Ambrosini has spent nearly 20 years exploring this delicate balance. Like Elordi, Ambrosini played rugby in Brisbane and faced his own share of injuries. He broke his ankle at a school camp, yet went on to enjoy a successful career, playing for the Brumbies Academy and the Australian under 20s before moving overseas.
Ambrosini’s experiences led him to establish the High Performance SASS Academy, which focuses on helping young athletes develop both on and off the field. He emphasizes the importance of proper technique in strength training to prevent injuries.
“First you’ve got to build a stable base, and that is through core and unilateral strength, learning to understand your body through mobility and flexibility for at least four to eight weeks. And then you move into building muscle mass.”
Ambrosini advocates for patience, a virtue often overlooked by young athletes eager to expedite their professional careers. He warns against the impatience driven by social media, which can lead young athletes to push their bodies beyond their developmental limits.
From Rugby Fields to Hollywood Sets
For Jacob Elordi, the injury that ended his rugby career opened the door to acting. Reflecting on his journey, Elordi’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the pressures young athletes face and the importance of proper training and mentorship. His transition from the rugby fields of Brisbane to the bright lights of Hollywood underscores the unpredictable nature of life’s paths.
Meanwhile, the conversation around youth sports and injury prevention continues to evolve. Experts like Ambrosini are at the forefront, advocating for comprehensive training programs that prioritize long-term health and development over short-term gains. As young athletes navigate their careers, stories like Elordi’s remind us of the importance of balancing ambition with caution.
The narrative of Jacob Elordi’s injury and subsequent rise to fame is not just a personal story but a broader commentary on the culture of youth sports and the critical role of guidance and support in shaping young lives.
