Another week, another sport in the concussion spotlight.
Hot on the heels of publicity and protocols relating to head injuries in football and other sports in recent months, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has introduced major changes to the way that concussion is handled in the professional game. Players, coaches and officials could face fines or even suspension if they do not complete an online training module that highlights concussion awareness, management in games and ‘return to play’ protocol by December.
Concussion was the most common injury in Premiership Rugby in 2012/13, cited in 54 matches and five training sessions.
With the Rugby World Cup being held in the UK in 2015, it’s to be hoped that the new focus will make sure that everyone in the game takes the threat of concussion seriously.
