16/09/2026
🧠🏉 CONCUSSION IN RUGBY
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects how the brain functions. It can result from a direct blow to the head or from an impact to the body that causes rapid movement of the head — and a player does not need to lose consciousness to be concussed.
Signs and symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, balance problems, confusion, memory difficulties, poor concentration and changes in behaviour. Symptoms may be immediate or develop later.
⚠️ If concussion is suspected, the player should be removed from play immediately and must not return that day. Medical assessment is recommended even if symptoms appear to resolve.
Recovery should then be gradual. Current guidance recommends relative rest during the first 24–48 hours, followed by a progressive return to normal activity and exercise as tolerated. For young athletes, returning to learning/school is also an important part of recovery before returning fully to sport.
For community rugby, World Rugby guidance specifies a minimum 21-day stand-down from playing, with return to rugby following a graduated process.
🏉 Recognise → Remove → Recover → Return
When in doubt, sit them out.
General educational information only and not a substitute for individual medical assessment.
