The aim of this case study was to document the rehabilitation process after the occurrence of an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury to a professional Rugby Union athlete using the `Control to Chaos Continuum` model. The model progresses from high control to high chaos and provides a framework for interventions aiming to return an athlete to competition in professional Rugby Union. This article provides a practical example of the implementation of the model. A 21-year-old professional Rugby Union player ruptured his left ACL performing a cutting movement, whilst attempting a tackle during a 2018 Super Rugby fixture. The injury was repaired by a traditional hamstring graft. The rehabilitation process spanned across 345 days, progressing from highly controlled training interventions to highly variable and unanticipated movements, replicating the chaotic demands of training and match play scenarios. Progressions in running load from early stage sub-maximal linear running to late stage chaotic sport specific movements are suggested in relation to the presented model. In order to support running load, the athlete`s strength and power program progressed from highly controlled movements with minimal variability to dynamic tasks requiring greater neuromuscular control. The re-introduction of rugby specific skills required careful consideration. Contact, technical skill and tactical training were progressed in complexity from unopposed to full team training, resulting in a successful return to competition. This case study provides evidence that a graded progression from highly controlled to highly chaotic training interventions may assist return to play in a Rugby Union athlete following an ACL injury.
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