IRUPA seeks new concussion module

IRUPA, the representative body of Irish professional rugby players, is hoping a mandatory concussion module will be in place for all players before the start of the season in the wake of a New Zealand study, which revealed 94% of former elite players had sustained at least one concussion.

The long-term study – the largest of its kind to focus on rugby union – pointed to a potential link between frequent concussion and brain damage, according to the project’s lead researcher.

The preliminary findings show that players who have suffered four or more concussions performed worse in tests measuring mental and physical co-ordination, motor speed and multi-tasking and rated their current health lower.