Cauliflower ear is a deformity of the ear caused by blunt trauma to the organ, leading to a deformity of the ear. The medical term for the injury is auricular hematoma, where the anterior auricle, that is the outer ear, swells and reddens as a result of the accumulation of blood between the cartilage and the tissue surrounding it. When a rugby player experiences trauma to the auricle, the blow can cause the connective tissue, the skin, and the cartilage to bundle up. If the impact is strong, it can cause damage to perichondrial blood vessels, resulting in bleeding occurring in an enclosed space where the blood is trapped. The medical term for this is hematoma.

Cauliflower ear is a common injury among athletes, but it can happen to anyone who sustains an injury to their ear. It is most frequently seen in people who participate in close-contact sports, such as wrestling, boxing, rugby, and other martial arts. The higher-level the athlete in an at-risk sport, the higher the prevalence of cauliflower ear. Protective headgear has long been commonplace in these sports, and it is the most important thing you can do to prevent cauliflower ear.

If neglected, auricular hematoma can result in deformities of the outer ear, i.e., cauliflower ear. As well as disfigurement, other symptoms of cauliflower ear include ear pain, bruising, and swelling. Sometimes, the swelling can spread to the face. More severe symptoms include hearing loss, tinnitus, bleeding from the ear, headaches, and inner ear pain. If treated aggressively and promptly, a rugby player can continue training and competing. The best way to beat cauliflower ear is prevention and early treatment.