Rugby players association urges caution with head injuries

Today the Irish Rugby Players Association issued a nationwide plea to players, team mates and coaches around the country to immediately remove the team member from play who takes a knock to the head until they can be evaluated.

Speaking at the launch of a new partnership with the Brain Injury Services and Support Organisation, Headway, Omar Hassanein, IRUPA CEO said;

“There is a marked shift in the attitude towards concussion in professional rugby. We have come a long way in the past few years in terms of raising awareness of the dangers of concussion and protecting the short and long-term welfare of players.

'Our players rely on protocols that have been put in place to protect their well being and are supported by medical expertise pitch side to ensure that decisions are made in the players’ best interest.”

“However we know that this level of support is not available for the thousands of players around the country who are playing at the weekends, in schools, colleges and local clubs.

'The IRFU have done great work highlighting the issue with their Stop, Inform, Rest, Return campaign. We would just like to reiterate the importance of educational awareness at all levels of our wonderful game. Therefore we are calling on athletes everywhere no matter what their sport to take any knock to the head seriously. The risk is too high otherwise. So use your head and come off until you can get properly assessed.”

“We have teamed up with Headway who work with people suffering from acquired brain injury and are supporting their call - don’t take a risk, sit it out and get checked out.

'Unlike a torn ligament or broken bone which would force players to come off the pitch, a physical injury to the brain is at risk of being ignored because it is invisible. Players cannot afford to be cavalier in their approach”, he continued.

Locally, Navan will start their AIL Div 2C campaign tomorrow at Balreask Old when they host Sligo, 2.30pm kick-off