Premier League footballers are taking part in a British research project that could revolutionise how sport diagnoses and treats concussions.

Scientists have called for mandatory headgear to be introduced in rugby after a study found it can almost halve the force on players’ heads.

England head coach Eddie Jones insists the possibility of one of the autumn Tests being decided by a controversial red card is a price worth paying to make the game safer.

Concussion is the most common injury among amateur rugby players — for men and women alike.

Heading a football should be banned for those under the age of 18 years and should be restricted in the professional game, according to one of the world’s leading experts on brain injuries.

A Rugby Football Union-led tackle trial next season has been described as "critical" in terms of developing approaches to concussion and injury reduction.

The IRFU’s updated concussion guide for the amateur game, issued last week, is an indication of how sports’ governing bodies are striving to keep up to speed with the medical profession’s developing knowledge of the condition.

A group that provides services for people with brain injuries has commended retired Irish footballer Kevin Doyle for raising awareness of concussions.

Players from the top two divisions of English club rugby are to take part in a major study throughout the coming season that has the aim of developing a pitch-side saliva test to diagnose concussion.

A national concussion strategy is needed to identify and manage concussions across all sports in Ireland, according to scientists studying the condition.

Jockeys try to hide concussion after a fall from a horse due to fear of losing rides, an outspoken sports commentator and former champion jockey claims.

"It's hugely disappointing to see that Northampton have not been held to account for the handling of George North's injury," said a sports injury lawyer.

North had a six-month spell out of the game in 2015 after a clutch of high-profile head injuries.

More than two-thirds of parents believe schools and sports clubs are not protecting their children from the effects of concussion.

Sports clubs and their medical staff should face sanctions if they send players who suffer concussions back onto the field of play, a Cork-based neurosurgeon has suggested.