Concussion? We’re ahead of the game

As the RFU prepares to release figures on the biggest problem in rugby, players’ chief Richard Bryan tells Chris Hewett where progress is being made

A new set of carefully audited injury statistics will be published by Twickenham next month and if, as seems likely, there is another increase in concussion rates – perhaps the most sensitive issue facing rugby union at the start of World Cup year – the sport will find itself on the uncomfortable end of some very sharp criticism from a vociferous group of medics and academics who consider it unnecessarily and unacceptably dangerous.

Last year, when figures for the 2012-13 season were compiled, concussion incidents in English rugby’s professional ranks had risen to 6.7 per 1,000 player hours – or, in more easily understandable terms, one reported case per team every four matches.

Not only was this figure significantly above the “mean” of 4.6 per 1,000 hours measured over the previous decade, but it was also the most common form of injury at Premiership level. As there is a growing body of evidence linking repeated concussions to dementia, it is hardly surprising that the many and varied organisations involved in the game’s administration have placed welfare at the top of their “to-do” list……… see the full story on >- http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/news-comment/concussion-were-ahead-of-the-game-9963608.html