IRB admits 'potential link' of concussion and dementia

[Jaguares]

IRB recognises concussion risk

In the wake of a $765million payout to the families of ex-gridiron stars who had either died or are suffering early onset dementia caused by repeated concussions, sports governing bodies are urgently reviewing their protocols surrounding head injuries. And last night the IRB finally accepted a link exists between repeated concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) — a disease associated with the early onset of dementia.

‘CTE is a form of dementia, and there are studies about boxers and American football players who have suffered repetitive head injuries, so we recognise that there might be a potential link,’ said the IRB’s chief medical officer Martin Raftery. Similar to the reforms of the NFL, the financial pressure may force a tighter system for dealing with on-field concussions, with Raftery adding, ‘our duty is to ensure that the sport implements the very best standards of care to protect our players.’

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/ar..._53e97ccfb4-887d8550db-63589685#ixzz2l0WAjltR

 

[Packman]

IRB recognises concussion risk

In the wake of a $765million payout to the families of ex-gridiron stars who had either died or are suffering early onset dementia caused by repeated concussions, sports governing bodies are urgently reviewing their protocols surrounding head injuries. And last night the IRB finally accepted a link exists between repeated concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) — a disease associated with the early onset of dementia.

‘CTE is a form of dementia, and there are studies about boxers and American football players who have suffered repetitive head injuries, so we recognise that there might be a potential link,’ said the IRB’s chief medical officer Martin Raftery. Similar to the reforms of the NFL, the financial pressure may force a tighter system for dealing with on-field concussions, with Raftery adding, ‘our duty is to ensure that the sport implements the very best standards of care to protect our players.’

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/ar..._53e97ccfb4-887d8550db-63589685#ixzz2l0WAjltR

Good post CS,

I'm guessing this will result in the sport having to admit it should be grouped with Boxing, which of course will annoy the marketing men no end. I think the reason they came down so hard on the mid game punch ups once the game went professional was so Mums wouldn't get so worked up about their kids playing rugby. That was always a balloon waiting to burst though, you may as well peddle cigarettes as being risk free.

It will be interesting to see if there is a drop off in numbers. A lot will depend on the media coverage. Everyone, even non sports fans know that boxers are putting their health at risk every time they step into the ring. If rugby goes the same way then people will think longer before getting involved I guess, maybe not at grass roots level though, its one thing getting smashed by Jerry Collins and another getting tackled by a wheezing 40 year old with a beer belly.

You got the newspapers picking up on it at the moment, but how long will that kind of exposure last? I think having the right professionals assessing concussed players in the same sort of way they look after Boxers is a good thing. Time to put your hands in your pockets folks and cough up the cash if you want to see people collide with each other for 80 minutes. Everyone loves a Samoan tackle except the poor sod on the receiving end, right?

 

[Jaguares]

Good post CS,

You got the newspapers picking up on it at the moment, but how long will that kind of exposure last? I think having the right professionals assessing concussed players in the same sort of way they look after Boxers is a good thing. Time to put your hands in your pockets folks and cough up the cash if you want to see people collide with each other for 80 minutes. Everyone loves a Samoan tackle except the poor sod on the receiving end, right?

Yeah, you're right.

Rugby has always been a taboo sport, so never be more popular than soccer. This is a tough sport, with many injuries, 60% percent of the rugby players I know are injured or left the rugby due to injury. This sport is not for everyone.

That's why I laugh when soccer supporters say the Rugby never have more crowds than soccer. But that's an obvious answer, rugby is a tough sport, the majority of people can not tolerate many hits.

Cheers