IRFU trial reduces concussions and other injuries, but work still to do

Professor Ian Kenny, IRFU Head of Referees Dudley Phillips, IRFU National Rugby Development Manager Colm Finnegan, IRFU Medical Manager for the Domestic Game, Dr Caithriona Yeomans, IRFU Medical Director Dr Rod McLaughlin, IRFU Director of Rugby Development Colin McEntee, Professor Tom Comyns. Pic: Nick Elliott/Inpho

The IRFU has warned there is still work to be done in educating players about their safety after a two-season domestic trial which shows noticeable decreases in concussion and general injury rates across the men’s and women’s games.

The union introduced the 'Tackle Behaviours Trial' at the start of the 2023/24 season by lowering the tackle height to below the sternum in the hope it would reduce the risk of head contact in the amateur game.