Increasing number of concussions may force rugby rule changes

Rugby union rules are under scrutiny yet again after new research showed that concussions in the game have doubled in the last five years.

Rule changes may come into play with even World Rugby’s Chief Medical Officer claiming that steps were being taken to identify the risks and bring about change to protect the athletes.

A new documentary highlighting the increased risk of playing rugby is set to be released by the BBC, with the research showing that although only one in 10 concussions resulted in a loss of consciousness, there were several after-effects. Concussions, while bringing out dizziness, memory loss and nausea, even brought depression and changes in personality that lasted for weeks or even months.

Accorrding to the BBC report, the number of concussions in English rugby went up by as much as 59 percent in the 2013-2014 season alone while in Scotland, the number of concussions have doubled in the past two years alone.

Former Britain and Scotland International James Beattie presented the documentary, and has also agreed to donate his brain for further research to study the effects of head-on collisions.

Post-concussion syndrome, brought on by multiple concussions, also brought an end to the career of former England International Andy Hazell. The 37 -year old -spent 17 years with Gloucestershire, and spoke about how the repeated concussions he suffered on the field affected his personal life as well.

"I was more snappy around the family, I could feel myself becoming that person. That sort of accumulated then with the depression. I took a bit of time where I did nothing. Touch wood now I feel good and the only thing now I have to think about now is what will happen in the future," the Englishman said.

Martin Raftery, World Rugby’s chief medical officer, has claimed that the tackle will be the most important area of focus in order to reduce the number of concussions occurring on-field, going on to add that the only way to bring about change was is to increase education of the players.

"I truly believe that the doubling between that season and the following season of the number was actually down to that education. I strongly believe that we do need to look at the laws of the game and the way that it's played," Raftery said.

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