An amateur rugby player in Wales has spent more than 24 hours in hospital after developing a serious infection believed to have been caused by dog faeces on a playing field.
Adam Lang, 28, who plays second row for Tondu RFC, 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 immediate treatment from the team physio, 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 pitch.
Speaking to BBC, Lang said the ordeal was mentally and physically draining.
“It’s been very tough mentally. Staying in hospital is never a nice thing to have to do, but the support of the club, teammates, family and work colleagues has helped massively,” he said.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter controls on dogs at local sports grounds. Lang has urged the local authority in Bridgend to introduce restrictions on dogs accessing marked pitches, saying players should not be put at risk while training or competing.
Tondu RFC chairman Graham Thomas backed the call, adding that where adults and children train daily, dog bans should be mandatory. Other Welsh councils, including Rhondda Cynon Taf and Caerphilly, already enforce Public Spaces Protection Orders that prohibit dogs from designated sports pitches.
A Bridgend Council spokesperson said the authority 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 reignited debate around public access to shared community spaces and the importance of balancing responsible dog ownership with player safety.
