Rugby told to change laws as concussion fears grow
Of ex-players shows link to worse brain decline in old age
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htwo-thirds in amateur game worried over long-term damage
Rugby authorities have been urged to consider immediate law changes after research suggested a link between multiple concussions and significantly worse brain function in older age.
A study of 146 former players predominantly from the amateur era found that, although no major differences were evident before the age of 75, those with three or more concussions were eventually more likely to suffer cognitive decline.
Researchers found that the 29 per cent of over-75s who reported multiple concussions had significantly worse cognitive function than those with two or less.
The players, who were all aged over 50 and had previously represented England, Oxford University or Cambridge University, had their cognitive function measured using a standard pre-clinical test.
Those over-75s with three concussions or more scored two points lower on the scale and, although this does not indicate disease, researchers said that it may show an increased risk of eventually developing neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
“Evidence is accumulating on the possible long-term health risks in former contact sport athletes – this study adds to this knowledge gap, and shows that playing elite rugby may affect cognitive function in older age,” said Prof Neil Pearce, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine who worked on the “Brain Study” with researchers from the Queen Mary University of London and the Institute of Occupational Medicine.
World Rugby has stressed that it is actively trialling laws aimed at reducing the risk of head impacts, as well as evaluating tackle heights, and has issued guidance to reduce contact time in training.
The research was funded by the Drake Foundation, whose biomarker study, published this year, found that 23 per cent of current elite adult rugby players had abnormalities in brain structure. “As a passionate sports fan who loves rugby, I’ve witnessed first-hand the way the game has evolved since turning professional,” said James Drake, founder of the foundation. “In my view, it’s a sport that has become ostensibly less safe for the players and my concerns are reflected by our research this month, which reveals 61 per cent of adults who play the game or have children that do are concerned about the sport’s long-term effect on brain health.”
Lewis Moody, the former England forward, said: “That two-thirds of those involved in the amateur game are concerned about rugby’s effect on long-term brain health shows there is a big issue here that needs to be urgently addressed. I would like to see enforceable guidelines across all levels of rugby to limit players’ exposure to head impacts in order to protect players and the game that we love.”
A World Rugby spokesperson said: “We will continue to do everything we can, from the child and community game through to the elite level, to reassure on participation safety.”