Dundee University study urges mandatory headgear in rugby

Protective measures could go further if thickness rules were relaxed

A Dundee University study has called for rugby players to wear headgear.

A team from the Institute of Motion Analysis and Research (Imar) found wearing protective headgear could halve the impact on players’ heads.

The findings declared even the least effective device tested could make a significant difference in preventing head injuries, such as concussions.

Erin Frizell, the study’s lead author, said risk of concussions could be reduced even further if rules relating to the thickness of headgear used during a game were relaxed.

Imar director Professor Rami Abboud said the study made a “compelling” case for players to be made to wear headgear at both amateur and professional levels.

He said: “The issue of head injuries in rugby, such as concussion, has become increasingly prevalent.

“You cannot avoid injuries in contact sport and we are not saying that headgear would eradicate head injuries, but this research has shown just how significant a difference these products can make in helping to minimise the risk that rugby players face on the field.

“You don’t want to go as far as American football with its hard helmets, which takes away from the essence of what rugby is, but there is a need for common sense to help minimise head injuries.”

Mid-priced products from seven manufacturers were used for the trial, with devices used to recreate forces of more than 103g. Each of the tested devices showed a decrease in the force, ranging from 27 to 47%.

Ms Frizzell, a final-year medicine student, said: “Across the range the effectiveness was greater than I thought it would be, though the difference of 20% protection between the best and worst performing was also an eye-opener.”

Picture: SNS. It is claimed the study has a ‘compelling’ case.