Irb Trial Player Protection Rules

The International Rugby Board has backed plans to protect players suffering from concussion and commissioned a major new study into the risk of head injuries in the game.

The IRB said national rugby unions would trial the new measures in their domestic competitions, following growing concerns that high-impact sports could have the potential to cause permanent brain injuries. 

Under the trial, players with suspected concussion will be sidelined for five minutes while they undergo a medical assessment by the team doctor, as well as an independent physician.

In a change from current rules, both the independent medic and the match referee will have the power to order the player from the field, with the player temporarily replaced from the bench while the assessment is conducted – much like a blood-replacement. 

The IRB also commissioned an Auckland University study that will examine the potential long-term effects of head knocks on rugby players.

The study will compare the neuro-psychological health of 200 former elite rugby players, 200 ex-community rugby players and 200 former athletes who did not play rugby.

In the United States, a major lawsuit involving more than 2,000 former National Football League players was filed in June accusing the NFL of ignoring and concealing the risk of brain injury, a claim the organisation denies.