Lowdown on the groundbreaking research

Q How significant is this new study?

A It is the first to directly investigate the risk factors associated with playing regular rugby union – in this case internationally – and various brain diseases among former players. As such, it is extremely significant and follows a similar study in football which has been the catalyst for concussion substitutes, reductions in heading in training and trials of no heading in children’s matches.

Q What is causing these increased risks?

A This cannot be definitively proved but the study adds to a body of work which has found a link between repeated head impact and devastating brain injury. Prof Willie Stewart, who led the study, stressed existing evidence which shows that women are generally more susceptible to brain injury.

Q how could rugby change?

A World Rugby is under pressure to decrease contact training, as has been the case in the NFL, as well as reduce the number of matches in a season. Prof Stewart has advised parents to make checks on the brain injury knowledge of those teachers and coaches who are overseeing training sessions. “Sport, overall, has a lot of health benefits,” he said. “A good starting point is to ask the coach what they know about the risks and head injuries. If the coach looks a bit blank, I’d say go to the next club.”

Q What can be done for players who have finished their careers?

A Neuropathologists want research into how they might help sportspeople in later life. Many are naturally terrified by the data, but Prof Stewart stressed that head impacts was one of 12 known factors for dementia and that there was now support and education.