Duncan Casey: Making mincemeat of those concussion myths

Is it any wonder rugby players groan when we see another headline about concussion? We sigh, roll our eyes and reluctantly read what the latest expert has to say. One more person that is convinced we are all lumbering along to a life of irreversible physical and cognitive damage, like cattle queuing up for the abattoir.

The most recent development in this saga was an open letter signed by 70 medical professionals last week. It called for the elimination of tackling and other forms of physical contact from schools’ rugby. However well intended the signatories’ suggestion may be, it is rather unhelpful.

Such an outrageous demand only serves to muddy the waters when it comes to the reality of the risks posed by our sport.