An amateur rugby player has spent more than 24 hours in hospital after suffering a serious infection believed to have been caused by dog fouling on the pitch.
Adam Lang, 28, who plays second row for Tondu RFC in Bridgend, Wales, was injured during his side’s 68–26 victory over Crymych at Pandy Park on February 14.
Lang said he fell awkwardly from a line-out and cut his elbow during the match. Although he received treatment from the team physio at the time, he later began experiencing severe pain and swelling while working a night shift.
By the following day, the infection had spread into his hand and he was admitted to Royal Glamorgan Hospital, where he remained for more than 24 hours. Doctors reportedly told him the infection was most likely caused by contact with dog faeces on the playing surface.
Speaking to the BBC, Lang described the experience as mentally challenging. “It’s been very tough mentally. Staying in hospital is never a nice thing to have to do but the support of the club, team mates, family and work colleagues has helped massively,” he said.
The incident has prompted calls for tighter controls on dogs at local sports grounds. Lang has urged the local authority to introduce restrictions on dogs accessing marked pitches, arguing that players should not face health risks while training or competing.
Tondu RFC chairman Graham Thomas supported the call, saying that where adults and children train daily, dog restrictions should be mandatory. Other Welsh councils, including Rhondda Cynon Taf and Caerphilly, have introduced Public Spaces Protection Orders banning dogs from designated sports pitches.
A spokesperson for Bridgend Council said it would consider whether similar measures should be introduced locally and encouraged residents to report any instances of dog fouling through official channels.
