Player welfare has become a central focus in modern rugby, with clubs across the UK and Ireland placing greater emphasis on how on-pitch injuries are managed. From grassroots teams to established clubs, there is an increasing focus on ensuring injured players are not only treated quickly, but treated with dignity and care.
One product increasingly meeting that need is SafeShel, a rapid-deploy inflatable shelter designed to protect injured players from the elements and from public view during treatment.
A Growing Demand Across Rugby Clubs
SafeShel is seeing significant uptake across rugby clubs throughout the UK and Ireland, as awareness around player care continues to evolve.
Clubs including Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC, Southport RFC, St Ives RFC, Ormskirk RFC, Cornwall RFC and Morpeth RFC have already introduced SafeShel.
The feedback has been immediate and consistent. After deploying SafeShel during a match incident, Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC noted:
“Everyone commented on what a great piece of equipment it is.”
What was once seen as an optional extra is quickly becoming an essential part of rugby’s on-pitch response.
Designed from Real-World Experience
SafeShel was founded in Ireland by Peter Larkin, a long-serving volunteer with the Irish Coast Guard based in Greenore, County Louth. With over 40 years of service and more than 1,000 callouts attended, Peter recognised a consistent gap in emergency response—particularly around protecting casualties at the scene.
That experience led to the creation of SafeShel, developed to provide immediate shelter, privacy, and a controlled environment in high-pressure situations.
Today, SafeShel is run by Peter and his daughter Eimear, with the company gaining recognition as a multi-award-winning Irish business. The product is now used across a wide range of sectors, including emergency services, universities, schools, construction sites, airports, sports clubs and many other organisations.
Built for Rugby and Real-World Conditions
Rugby presents unique challenges when it comes to injury response. Injuries take place in open environments, exposed to wind, rain, and cold conditions. When a serious injury occurs, players can be left waiting for extended periods while receiving treatment.
SafeShel addresses this directly by providing:
- Rapid inflation in under 15 seconds
- A fully weatherproof enclosure
- A floorless design, allowing placement over an injured player without movement
- Six access points for medical teams and responders
- A lightweight, portable solution that can be deployed pitch-side within seconds
The result is a calmer, more professional response—protecting both the player and those administering care.
Real Impact on Player Welfare
The true value of SafeShel is seen in real-world use. Clubs that have deployed the shelter during incidents consistently highlight the difference it makes—not just for the injured player, but for everyone involved.
By shielding players from onlookers, cameras and the elements, SafeShel helps:
- Preserve dignity during treatment
- Reduce stress in high-pressure situations
- Maintain body temperature in poor weather
- Allow responders to work more effectively
It is a simple addition, but one that is having a measurable impact.
Expanding Beyond Ireland and the UK
While SafeShel has established a strong presence in Ireland and the UK, demand is now growing internationally. The company has begun expanding into markets including Poland and the United States, as organisations worldwide recognise the need for improved on-site response solutions.
Reflecting on this growth, Peter Larkin said:
“It’s incredible to see the interest in SafeShel from across the world. I’m very proud to see the hard work paying off, and to hear feedback from people who have used SafeShel during real incidents—how it helped them feel safe, secure, and protected away from onlookers when it mattered most. That’s exactly why SafeShel was created.”
A New Standard for Rugby Clubs
As rugby continues to prioritise player welfare, expectations are changing. Clubs are no longer just reacting to incidents—they are preparing for them.
SafeShel is becoming part of that preparation.
With increasing demand across clubs, it is clear that solutions like SafeShel are helping to set a new standard in how injuries are managed on the pitch.
To find out more or to secure a SafeShel unit for your club, visit safeshel.com or contact [email protected]
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