World Rugby extends tremor downtime to 12 days in significant protocol change | News about Rugby Union

So far, concussion protocols have allowed players to return in seven days if they pass the replay tests; the new protocols will come into effect when England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland play the Test Abroad next month

The majority of players diagnosed with concussion will miss their next game under the new rules

Players will face an increased minimum downtime of 12 days in a dramatic protocol change announced by World Rugby.

Under the new criteria, implemented in the global elite game from July 1, the vast majority of players diagnosed with concussion will miss their next game after the latest review of scientific evidence. football specific study and research by World Rugby’s independent 17 concussion working groups.

Currently, a player who fails a head injury assessment can conceivably return the following weekend, as long as they follow and pass the return-to-play procedures.

Regarding the new guidelines, World Rugby said: “A development approach will see players with a history of concussion, or who are excluded from a match with obvious symptoms of concussion, to be sidelined for a minimum of 12 hours. days, potentially missing their next competitive match.

World Rugby believes new concussion protocols will bring “new thinking for coaches and players”

“No player will return earlier than Saturday after injury, and the return of any player will need approval from an independent concussion consultant.”

Procedure will be in place for next month’s Overseas Tests with teams such as England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

World Rugby’s medical director Eanna Falvey added: “It will be a new mindset for coaches and players.

“Our approach means it’s now very likely that a player diagnosed with a concussion will not play in their team’s next game.

“World Rugby firmly believes that the scientific evidence supports our protocols, but we are constantly monitoring and testing them to ensure that they are appropriate for the modern game.

“We recognize that there are differences in concussion symptoms and concussion history, and this process allows us to further protect elite players by personalizing their rehabilitation. surname.

“It also preserves all the benefits of previous protocols, which were so successful in starting to address underreported symptoms that evidence suggests, while improving, remains a problem.” .”

In response to the updated protocols, Progressive Rugby said it “will continue to work to ensure that the great game of rugby can be enjoyed by future generations.”

The lobby group Progressive Rugby has been campaigning for World Rugby to extend the playing time since last February and believes the updated protocols are a step in the right direction for the rugby union.

A spokesperson for Progressive Rugby said: “While long overdue and not a perfect solution, it is a positive step for the welfare of elite players and will prevent most players from getting involved. elite take extreme and unnecessary risks.

“It’s also a welcome acknowledgment to our members, who have long held serious concerns about this flawed protocol and have tirelessly campaigned for it to be expanded.

“However, while it is certainly a win in the interests of the players, the journey is far from over and Progressive Rugby will continue to work to ensure that the great game of rugby can be enjoyed. by future generations.”

World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin added: “There will always be impacts from the start and there will always be concussions in rugby, so we will never dismiss that given the nature of the game. sport that we have.

“But we want people to be comfortable that we’ve got a game that’s safe to play at all levels and that the sport is doing its best to protect and look after the safety and well-being of its players. .

“We’re making progress, there’s a lot of areas where we’ve grown. You can never do too much in this area.

“The key for us is to keep going with the science and keep making progress as quickly as possible.”