Three English rugby clubs join brain scan trial to make rugby safer

Three rugby union clubs in England are to begin trialling a scanning technology to monitor players' brain health.

It is hoped that a device can measure brain patterns that could help spot and manage concussion in a bid to make the sport safer.

The three clubs participating in the trial are London 3 Essex outfit East London RFC, Championship side Cornish Pirates and London and South East Premier side Sevenoaks.

The theory behind the scans is that a new scan after a suspected concussion could show how the brain has been affected in order to guide decisions on when it is safe to start playing again.

The teams taking part in the study, will use the WAVi performance assessment tool to collect information about brain function before and after matches.

The WAVi device involves a series of sensors being placed on the scalp to measure electrical activity, which produces a set of readings.

The initiative is backed by not-for-profit organisation Love of the Game, whose president is former English rugby union player Simon Shaw. The organisation's chairman is Laurence Geller, the ministerial adviser appointed by government to examine concussion in sport

East London RFC Chair Simon Crick said: “We are excited to be part of this initiative. At our level of the game players tend to want to return far too quickly after a concussion and ignore head injury protocols.

“We hope to be able to show that concussions need to be accurately diagnosed and properly managed to prevent early returns to action that may cause further damage now and later in life. I thank Love of the Game and WAVi for selecting us for this fantastic project.”

Love of the Game President Simon Shaw MBE, former England and British and Irish Lions forward, said: “As a former rugby player competing at the highest level, I've seen the impact of head injuries on those around me – and also felt it myself.

“Sadly, more and more, we are learning of former sports people being diagnosed with brain-related conditions. The long-term impact of head-related traumas and concussions needs to be addressed. I am delighted East London Rugby Club has agreed to help us at grassroots level to find innovative new ways to protect players of all ages and abilities and support the game we love.”