Call to make wearing of headgear compulsory

Fine Gael senator Kieran O’Donnell yesterday called on the IRFU to make the wearing of protective headgear compulsory for rugby players.

O’Donnell raised the issue in the Seanad after three teenage players were hospitalised with suspected concussion injuries in Wednesday’s Clayton Munster Schools Junior Cup tie between Presentation Brothers College, Cork, and St Munchin’s College Limerick.

After an hour-long delay, the match was restarted by referee Paudie Sheehan. However, St Munchin’s declined to continue. PBC led 5-0, and under rule, could have been awarded victory.