Munster and Connacht rugby stars being trained to spot the signs of suicide

Some of the country’s top rugby stars are being trained in how to prevent suicide and raise awareness of mental health issues through a joint initiative between the rugby players association and the charity Console.

First-team players at Munster and Connacht have already undertaken specialised QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training at their provincial bases as part of the collaboration between Console and the Irish Rugby Union Players Association.

Former Munster star Marcus Horan said he hoped word of the course would spread through the game in this country at a time of growing worry over mental health issues and suicide.