It's odd. A few years ago I remember reading an article in which surgeons were claiming a breakthrough in the treatment of ACL ruptures which would cut recovery times from nine months down to six or eight weeks. IIRC, it involved taking a graft from another part of the body. I've heard nothing since so I can only assume it's either failed or is still under clinical trial.

ACL injuries really are a nightmare for any club as you lose the player for a full season and put the squad under intense pressure. Mind you, I suppose we should be grateful for existing treatment methods. Prior to around the time when Gazza blew out his knee an ACL injury signalled the death of your career. IIRC, it was the same that ended Brian Clough's playing days.

Not RL i know, but in the USA there are extensive research papers on the effects of different playing surfaces re player injuries.

It could provide a base in terms of how to approach the subject, or even a contrast between the two sports.

Dr Lisa Hodgson - head of Sports Medicine at the RFL - email at the bottom of this link

rlhttp://www.therfl.co.uk/~therflc/community/news_item.php?id

When i did mine, they did a patella tendon graft. The other way of doing it is with a hamstring stretch.

As for researching it, id look at footwear as a cause too, especially bladed boots

Thanks for all your responses and suggestions.

All the information has now been passed on and the ball is now in his court.

Thanks once again

Dave