I’M a rugby supporter with a keen interest in concussion in the game. I started looking into headguards because I was concerned about the gap between what they are approved for and how they are sold.
International studies show that many players, parents and coaches overestimate rugby headguard / scrumcap protection, including some believing they prevent concussion.
World Rugby’s specs say approved headgear “is not intended nor expected to protect against any form of mild traumatic brain injury or skull fractures”. Its intended protection is against cuts an...