Traumatic vertebral artery dissection in high school rugby players: A report of two cases

•VAD without cervical spine injury has not been reported in rugby players.•Hyperextension of the contralateral V3 segment by cervical rotation causes VAD.•Symptoms related to VAD are nonspecific and disappear in a few days.•In head and neck trauma associated with rugby, attention must also be paid to VAD. Traumatic vertebral artery dissection (VAD) has been reported in various types of sports and recreation. However, there have been no reports of VAD in rugby players, except for those with cervical spine injuries. We experienced two cases of VAD without cervical spine injuries in high school rugby players. Attention should be paid to protect youth rugby players from VAD.