‘Take concussions seriously’, urges campaign

If a member of a sports team takes a knock to the head they should immediately be removed from live play so their wellbeing can be properly assessed, according to the Irish Rugby Players’ Association (IRUPA).

The organisation made the plea as part of a nationwide concussion awareness campaign, ‘Headucate’ which is being run by the IRUPA and Headway Brain Injury Services and Supports.

“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,” said Omar Hassanein, CEO of the IRUPA.