World Rugby is introducing new protocols for players diagnosed with concussion, having increased the break for a player post-concussion from seven to a minimum of 12 days.
The body said its change to Graduated Return to Play (GRTP) protocols for the elite game comes in response to the latest review of scientific evidence and rugby-specific research.
The new stand-down approach, to be implemented globally from July 1, will see players – including those with a history of concussion, or who are removed from a match with obvious concussion symptoms – sit out from play for a minimum of 12 days, likely missing their next competitive match.
No player will return earlier than the seventh day after injury, and any player’s return will need to be approved by an independent concussion consultant.
“This individualised rehabilitation approach supports our mission that the welfare of players comes first. It mirrors our promise to continually monitor, review and evolve our protocols based on scientific advice and evidence,” says World Rugby Chief Medical Officer, Dr Eanna Falvey.
“Rugby is a leading sport in head injury management, but we never stand still. It’s not just a new protocol – it’s going to be a new mindset for coaches and players.
“Our approach means it is now overwhelmingly likely a player diagnosed with a concussion won’t play in their team’s next match.
“World Rugby firmly believes that scientific evidence supports our protocols, but we are continually monitoring and testing them to ensure that they are fit for the modern game.
“We recognise that there are differences in concussion symptoms and concussion history and this process enables us to further protect elite players by individualising their rehabilitation.
“It also keeps in place all the benefits of the previous protocols which have been so successful in beginning to tackle under reporting of symptoms which evidence shows that, while improving, remains an issue.”
World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin added: “World Rugby will never stand still on player welfare and once again we are putting those words into action in line with our six point plan.
“We will continue to work with players across the world, at all levels of the game, to educate the importance of brain health and of reporting symptoms where they occur, while doing everything we can to reduce the risks.
“Rugby is a game that bring immense benefits to those who play, benefits which far outweigh the risks. However, we know that any collision sport such as ours will result in injury and it is incumbent upon us to provide our players with the best advice we can and that is exactly what we’re doing with these Individualised Rehabilitation protocols.”
The move has been welcomed, against a background of mounting evidence as to the long-term impact of concussion, with the Concussion Legacy Foundation urging CTE to also be prioritised in World Rugby’s approach.
“I’m really pleased to see that World Rugby have sharpened their return to play process to delay the minimum stand-down times for those with a concussion history or with the most alarming symptoms. This is a step forward and we need to demand continuing to put player safety first.” said Dr Adam White, executive director of the Concussion Legacy Foundation UK.
International Rugby Players’ head of player welfare, Conrad Smith, said players reporting their injury is vital to the protection they can receive.
“The key to this working – and the important part in changing the culture around concussion – is that players report their head injuries and any symptoms,” he said.
“Seeing first-hand the amount of work and research that is going into this extremely complex issue, I have confidence in the approach taken and that the authorities are looking after the player’s best interests.”
