Sunday, February 22 2026 - 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.
The case has renewed debate over public access to shared
community spaces and the balance between responsible dog ownership and player
safety.
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