Rugby Canada's CEO says major traumatic injuries like one that killed a P.E.I. teenager are rare despite the lack of protective gear because players are trained to safely tackle opponents and respect each other's safety.

Canadian rugby associations, and some of the sport's most prominent players, are expressing condolences to the family of a P.E.I. high school athlete who died after what one expert says was a "rare" serious injury.

Montague Regional High School has confirmed the death of student Brodie McCarthy from a brain injury sustained during a rugby game.