Controversies like Luke Cowan-Dickie-gate should be consigned to history under new concussion guidelines
This is written by Progressive Rugby
Elite rugby players who suffer a concussion must be stood down for 12 days after World Rugby finally extended the elite Graduated Return to Play (GRTP) protocol.
Progressive Rugby had lobbied for a 12-day protocol since February 2021, stating that six days to recover from a brain injury was not sufficient and put players at unnecessary risk.
From 1st July, the new system means a vast majority of players will not be able to retake the field until at least 12 days has passed.
It means scenarios like Luke Cowan-Dickie being knocked out in the Premiership final, only to fly 6,000 miles to South Africa and feature in the first British and Irish Lions tour match just seven days later, should be consigned to history.
"The evolved approach will see players with a history of concussion or who are removed from a match with obvious concussion symptoms, sit out from play for a minimum of 12 days, likely missing their next competitive match," World Rugby said.
"No player will return earlier than the seventh day after injury, and any player's return will need to be approved by an independent concussion consultant."
The new rules will come into effect while home nations England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland are on Test tours overseas this summer.
A player is determined to have a history of concussion if they have had a concussion diagnosis in the previous three months, three concussions diagnosed in the previous 12 months, been diagnosed with five concussions in their career or taken longer than 21 days to recover from a previous concussion.
World Rugby's chief medical officer Eanna Falvey added: "It is going to be a new mindset for coaches and players.
"Our approach means it is now overwhelmingly likely a player diagnosed with a concussion won't play in their team's next match.”
A spokesperson for Progressive Rugby said: “Whilst long overdue and not the perfect solution, this is a positive step for elite player welfare and will prevent most elite players from being exposed to extreme and unnecessary risk.
“It is also welcome acknowledgement for our members, who have long held grave concerns around this flawed protocol and lobbied tirelessly for it to be extended.
“However, while undoubtably a victory for player welfare, the journey is not complete and Progressive Rugby will continue working to ensure that the great game of rugby can be enjoyed by future generations.”
“Whilst long overdue, this is a positive step for elite player welfare and will prevent most elite players from being exposed to extreme and unnecessary risk.”