PLAYERS NOT KEEN ON ‘SAFER’ HEADGEAR

SCOTLAND hooker Fraser Brown is yet to be convinced of the benefits of wearing a headguard despite a recent study suggesting they could help reduce the risk of head injuries. The Glasgow Warriors star has suffered a series of head knocks in recent seasons and was out of action for 11 weeks at the turn of the year after suffering three concussions in the first half of last season. Yet, while a study undertaken by Dundee University found that wearing headgear can cut impact levels at the tackle by almost half, Brown insists he will not be joining the likes of teammates Grant Gilchrist and Josh Strauss in adopting protective caps, just yet. ‘I know there is a study that came out but it will take quite a long time to see what the results from that study are and whether it is something that would be beneficial going forward,’ said Brown (below). ‘I don’t wear one at the moment purely from a personal preference point of view but going forward I don’t know. ‘I don’t feel that comfortable wearing it because I don’t feel I can play properly, maybe because I can’t hear as well.’ His Scotland and Glasgow Warriors team-mate Adam Hastings agreed, adding: ‘I have worn head gear a couple of times and I don’t particularly enjoy wearing it. ‘Playing ten, you have to be pretty switched on and I struggle to hear the boys around me, so I wouldn’t like it. ‘However, if it came out that it really does help, I would think about it.’ Dundee University’s findings, published in the British Medical Journal, said that even the least effective headguard could make a significant difference in preventing head injuries that lead to concussion. They tested seven devices in total and found that the amount of force put on the head during a tackle wearing one was decreased by 47 per cent by the most effective headguard and 27 per cent in the least effective. Professor Rami Abboud, of Dundee University, said: ‘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.’ The SRU say they will look closely at the findings before making any recommendations to its players. James Robson, the SRU’s chief medical officer, said: ‘This is an illuminating piece of research which reopens the debate regarding the use of head-guards in contact sport. ‘We will look more closely at where this leads in terms of head protection and possible concussion risk management.’