Rugby Union: New Protective Headguard!
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
Another issue, which will loom large in the New Year, is the incidence of head injuries in rugby union and how to prevent or, at the least, reduce them.
Over 300 rugby players are suing World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union claiming damages for failing to protect them against head injuries.
Traditional headguards protect against cuts but they do not prevent concussions, which can cause brain injuries, including the early onset of dementia.
According to data confirmed by scientists at Imperial College, London University, a headguard, designed by a company called Hedkayse, which manufactured cycling helmets, reduces the force of direct head impacts by up to 85%.
Once approval for its use is given by World Rugby, which is expected shortly, this new headguard may reduce head injuries and their potential life-changing effects on rugby players at all levels of the game.
Let us hope so!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
