Owen Doyle: Severe brain damage is the elephant in the room for World Rugby

Autopsies conducted in the centre last year examined the brains of 152 donors who died between the young ages of 13 and 30. Most were American football players, but other sports, such as ice hockey, boxing and rugby, were also on the list, which covered professional and amateur players.“This shows that the pathology starts early.

The human toll from brain injuries is devastating. There was the tragic suicide last year of 33-year-old former Maori player, Billy Guyton. His symptoms, outlined recently by his father, were harrowing. Guyton’s donated brain showed clear evidence of CTE. Professionalism has seen the arrival and inexorable growth of brutal collisions, with the head frequently in the equation. Inevitably, what happens at the top end of the sport is copied at club and school level. The school cups this year were again full of excellent rugby, and also full of enormous physicality, a facsimile of the pro-game.

In May, the World Rugby Council will consider recommendations from their recently-formed specialist groups. They will debate the divisive issue of the 20-minute red card replacement, perhaps accompanied by stronger sanctions for offenders. A key element will be their deliberations around the breakdown, a review of safety and spectacle issues – “for example, the impact of contesting the ball on the floor, jackal as opposed to an upright driving game”.

Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Owen Doyle: Fundamental need exists for World Rugby to rid the game of dangerOwen Doyle: Scientific evidence is piling up regarding brain injuries and rugby’s authorities must act by changing game’s laws before it’s too late
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »

Owen Doyle: The Six Nations was good, but France should have finished fifthWe need to know exactly why Ireland’s Tadgh Furlong was denied a try against Scotland
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »

Sport Briefing: ‘Ifs, buts and maybes’: A neat summary of the FAI’s long search for a managerGerry Thornley and Owen Doyle look at World Rugby’s proposed rule changes, while Philip Reid speaks to Pádraig Harrington
Source: IrishTimesSport - 🏆 2. / 99 Read more »

World Rugby reveals radical plans to speed up sport and broaden its appealWorld Rugby considering reducing tackle height at elite level and introducing a trial of the 20-minute red card
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »

20-minute reds, no croc rolls, and crooked lineout throwsWorld Rugby wants a more watchable, safer product.
Source: The42_ie - 🏆 5. / 86 Read more »

Rugby World Cup Winning Coach Hails Felix Jones' ContributionBack-to-back Rugby World Cup winning coach Jacques Nienaber praises Felix Jones for his role in delivering consecutive victories. Jones, a former player for Leinster, Munster, and Ireland, has proven himself as a brilliant coach in his own right. Nienaber and Jones have worked together as a 'double act' since their time at Munster and have continued their partnership as defence coaches for Leinster and England. Jones' notable contributions as a coach include plotting strategies against Ireland, resulting in a win for England. However, Nienaber insists on giving credit to Jones' attack coaching abilities rather than his defensive skills.
Source: IrishMirror - 🏆 4. / 98 Read more »