A Single Tackle Shattered His Rugby Dreams, But the Real Damage Was Self-Inflicted
Imagine a high school rugby match from over a decade ago, played on the fields of Brisbane’s St Joseph’s Nudgee College, suddenly grabbing the attention of Hollywood heavyweights like Dwayne Johnson and Adam Sandler. Sounds unlikely, right? But that’s exactly what happened when actor Jacob Elordi shared his story in a recent roundtable interview for The Hollywood Reporter, now viewed over five million times. The Brisbane-born star recounted the moment a routine tackle, combined with off-field mistakes, broke his back and forever altered his path, steering him toward acting.
“Growing up in my environment, sports—especially rugby—were everything,” Elordi, now 28, explained. “You weren’t really considered a person unless you played. But at 16, I broke my back.”
Johnson, no stranger to physical risks from his wrestling days, asked if the injury happened during a game. It did, but Elordi blames himself. He had been lifting weights “too early” and using improper form, like “squatting wrong.” His rapidly growing body couldn’t handle the pressure, and a routine tackle was all it took to fracture his spine, ending his rugby career.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While injuries are common among young rugby players—with data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showing nearly a quarter of a million Australians aged 15 and over played rugby in 2023–24, and players aged 15-19 being the most injury-prone—strength training, when done correctly, can actually reduce injury risk and improve bone health in adolescents. So, where do we draw the line between building a strong young athlete and pushing them too far?
Former rugby union player and sports scientist James Ambrosini has spent nearly two decades grappling with this question, turning his insights into a program for young athletes. Like Elordi, Ambrosini grew up playing rugby in Brisbane. He was on the cusp of joining the Queensland under 15s team when a tackle at school camp broke his ankle. “The instructor tackled me from behind, shattering the growth plate in my ankle,” he recalled. “I didn’t even realize it was broken at the time.”
Ambrosini went on to play for the Brumbies Academy, the Australian under 20s, and international teams like Benetton Treviso. But his career was marked by injuries: four broken hands, a ruptured testicle, a dislocated shoulder, and a broken thumb just days before the Junior World Cup team selection. He attributes some of this to youthful recklessness—“I wasn’t mature enough to handle the physical and mental stress,” he admits—but also to a lack of proper guidance and mentorship.
Now, Ambrosini channels his experiences into the High Performance SASS Academy, helping young athletes develop their skills safely. Strength training is part of the program, but with strict oversight. “The focus for young athletes isn’t about lifting heavy weights too soon,” he emphasizes. “It’s about mastering technique first. Build a stable base through core and unilateral strength, mobility, and flexibility for at least four to eight weeks. Only then should you focus on muscle mass.”
Elordi’s towering frame—nearly two meters tall—would have naturally drawn him toward strength training. Ambrosini understands the temptation but advocates for patience. “Young athletes are often impatient, wanting success now,” he says. “They see Instagram highlights and think that’s the path, but their bodies are still developing. Physiological and hormonal changes take time. A more patient, structured approach is crucial, especially for rugby players.”
And this is the part most people miss: Ambrosini believes that if he’d started with proper training early on, he could have avoided many of his injuries. “It’s about taking a different perspective—one that values long-term health over short-term gains,” he adds.
So, what do you think? Is the pressure to excel in sports pushing young athletes too far, or is it up to individuals and coaches to prioritize safety? Let us know in the comments below. And if you want to start your day with more thought-provoking stories like this, sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter [insert link].
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- Celebrity Life
- Australian Rugby
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