- A new RLPA study has detailed some detailed statistics about concussions
- The research showed that some players return too early after an injury
- It also revealed that players are not properly reporting concussion injuries
Concussion remains one of the biggest talking points in the NRL and NRLW.
Australian rugby league’s governing bodies have stepped up their concussion protocols this year, with speculation now centering on whether the NRL and NRLW could change kick-off rules to reduce the number of head injuries caused by restarts.
As the league continues to identify ways it can help combat concussion injuries, a Player’s Pulse survey from the Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) has found that a third of male and half of female players are experiencing symptoms not reporting correctly.
The study also found that players continue to train even after experiencing concussion symptoms during training.
The statistics have been revealed by The Daily Telegraph on Monday, with nearly 700 male and female players included in the sample.
Of that group, approximately 22 percent of NRL players and seven percent of NRLW players have suffered a concussion in training in the past 12 months.
It is understood that of those who experienced symptoms of concussion, 36 percent of male players and 46 percent of female players continued to train.
The Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) Player’s Pulse survey has found that a third of male and half of female players do not correctly report symptoms of concussion
It is understood that of those who experienced symptoms of concussion, 36 percent of male players and 46 percent of female players continued to train.
Worryingly, 20 percent of the NRL contingent felt pressured to continue, while 33 percent of female players in the study felt the same, even after experiencing symptoms of concussion.
The statistics added that 28 percent of men and 40 percent of women said they returned to action before being cleared by a doctor to resume training.
Earlier this year, a mandatory 11-day stand-down rule was introduced for players who have suffered a concussion. Clubs are also required to film every contact training session to reduce concussion injuries The Sydney Morning Herald.
It comes as more than 120 ex-Rugby League players have taken legal action against the Rugby Football League, the British Amateur Rugby League Association and the International Rugby League, accusing the governing bodies of ‘failing to take reasonable care for the safety of their players’. .
In April, Cronulla co-captain Dale Finucane was forced to announce his immediate and premature retirement from rugby league. His decision to hang up the boots came after advice from doctors after suffering multiple head injuries in recent years.
Last year, Hull KR full-back Lachlan Coote retired with immediate effect after also suffering a series of concussions in recent years.
According to The Daily Telegraphthe RLPA is urging league bodies to increase the precautions and protections provided to players. Contact load assessments and technology that can help monitor the impact have both been put forward.
An NRL spokesperson said: ‘The NRL has one of the most comprehensive head injury policies and procedures in sport.
Concussion remains one of the biggest talking points not just in the NRL, but in a wide range of sports around the world
“The NRL has matchday and club training policies and procedures that ensure clubs are aware of concussion risks during training and take appropriate action to address those risks.
‘These procedures are contained in the NRL Operations Manual and include requirements for club officials to monitor all contact sessions and ensure stated protocols are adhered to.
‘We continue to invest in permanent education, training and compliance with protocols.
‘The NRL bases policy and decisions on conclusive data. We will continue to invest in research and regularly review our policies.”