How The Leader Can Overcome Comeback Dread in Rugby

In rugby, comeback dread describes the psychological paralysis that occurs when your body has medically cleared but your mind refuses to trust it. The Leader athletes are particularly vulnerable because their tactical orientation creates hyperawareness of every potential collision scenario. You've watched the footage. You know exactly how that tackle went wrong. Now your brain replays it on loop during every contact drill.

For intrinsically motivated, opponent-focused athletes, this creates a unique trap. Your strategic mind, normally your greatest asset, becomes a liability. Instead of analyzing opponent weaknesses, you're cataloguing your own vulnerabilities. The collaborative instincts that make you a natural captain now feel like a burden. Your teammates depend on you, but you can't even depend on yourself.