Player safety issues leave rugby facing into fundamental change

There is still a culture of that deems it necessary to 'beat each other up' on a Tuesday to be ready for a Saturday, the Progressive Group says

Iain Henderson of Ireland is attended to prior to leaving the pitch with a head injury during the Six Nations defeat to France. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The job of head coach requires a dexterity in thought. Numerous files lie open at any one time. So it was that Leo Cullen set time aside last night, after Leinster’s arrival in Wales for today’s game against the Dragons, to make a phone call about the Progressive Rugby group and their proposals.

A gathering of ex-players, referees, coaches and medical experts, the Progressive Group is aiming to lobby World Rugby on a number of changes to the game which they believe are required to enhance player safety and general welfare.